Fifteen Consolata missionaries gathered at Foyer de Charité retreat centre in Namugongo, Kampala Uganda for an on-going formation.
The five-day meeting that started on July 11 through July 15 was organized for young missionaries working in the Kenya/Uganda region and who have attained ten years and below of priestly ordination and religious profession.
The weeklong meeting had a series of activities. On July 11, the participants had a day of recollection facilitated Fr Kizito Mukalazi. The theme of the retreat was: The Mission of Christ become our on Mission. Giving our life to others just as Christ gave his life to Humanity. The one-day recollection was concluded with Holy Mass celebrated at the main Altar of the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo.
Part of the program for the on-going formation included visits some of the Consolata parishes in Uganda.
On Wednesday 12th July, the young missionaries had a chance to visit the Mission of Kapeeka in Kasana/Luwero Diocese. While there, the missionaries celebrated mass to commemorate the 9th priestly ordination of Fr Alex Kiamba. Fr Kiamba was the main celebrant. This was followed by a visit to the community of the Little Sisters of the Sacred Heart.
On 13th July 2023 the young missionaries had an opportunity to visit the Consolata Communities in Kampala. Among them, Bweyogerere parish, Bbhuto Parish and Kiwaga pastoral center.
Part of the on-going formation included a talk by Fr. Joseph Kyeyune, AJ. The facilitator gave a talk on burn out in religious and missionary life. Fr Kyeyune pointed out on how to detect burn out and how to deal with it when it comes. He stressed on three R’s approach: Recognize, Reverse and Resilience. He advised the participants to reverse the burn out by undoing the damage and seeking support. As for building resilience he said, “build your resilience to stress by taking care of your physical and emotional health” he stressed. Fr Kyeyune gave three strategies on how to recover from burnout: slowing down, getting support and reevaluating one’s goals and priorities.
On the eve of departure, 14th July 2023. The participants had a Eucharistic celebration with the community of Foyer de Charité, then there after we had a session to plan for the future meetings, Election and Evaluation.
To culminate their week-long meeting, the young missionaries were invited for supper at in Bweyogerere parish where most of the confreres working in Uganda took part as well.
We had a good time-sharing life and experiences and encouraging Each other in our religious journey.
We thank the regional Administration and Confrere working in Uganda for facilitating our visit and stay in Uganda. May our Lady Consolata and our Founder Joseph Allamano intercede for us All.
By Geoffrey Njoroge
