BENEDICTINE SISTERS
About the Benedictine Sisters of Kawekamo
The Benedictine Sisters of Kawekamo, officially known as the African Benedictine Sisters of Our Lady Help of Christians Kawekamo Mwanza, are a religious congregation founded on September 4, 1990, by the late Archbishop Anthony Mayala. This foundation was inspired by the historic visit of Pope St. John Paul II to the region. The congregation operates as a branch of the African Benedictine Sisters of Our Lady Help of Christians Ndanda Mtwara, under the guidance of the same Mother General, Sr. M. Auxilia Hokororo OSB.
Our Mission and Ministries
The Sisters are committed to embodying Christ's compassionate love through a variety of ministries, including:
- Catechizing and spreading the Good News of the Christian faith.
- Nursing the sick and marginalized.
- Teaching across different educational levels.
- Empowering women in rural areas through development initiatives.
Guided by the Rule of St. Benedict, the Sisters' consecrated life emphasizes prayer, work, and charitable services to uplift both the spiritually and physically disadvantaged.
Community Statistics
The congregation comprises:
- 12 candidates
- 12 postulants
- 14 novices
- 47 temporarily professed Sisters
- 45 perpetually professed Sisters
Their vision is to incarnate the compassionate love of Christ and actively evangelize the Catholic faith in collaboration with the diocesan bishop.
Connect with Us
For more information about the Benedictine Sisters of Kawekamo, please visit their official website.
You can also explore their YouTube channel, where they share spiritual reflections, insights into their way of life, and engaging content.
Musical Ministry
Experience the Sisters' musical talents through their choir performances, which are a testament to their vibrant spiritual and cultural expression.
SACRED HEART OF JESUS
On December 18, 1965, Pope Paul VI appointed Father Renatus Butibubage as the bishop of Mwanza. During his leadership, the late Bishop Renatus Butibubage and the brothers experienced a situation that led to a loss of clear direction in their vocation. Despite initial expectations, the goals were not achieved because the brothers who were close to making their perpetual vows were prevented by Bishop Butibubage from renewing their vows and making their final commitments, which led to the congregation's decline as many left, leaving only a few remaining. By 1970, only three brothers remained in Nyegezi, and the congregation came to a standstill.
In 1989, when the late Archbishop Antony Mayala was elected as the Bishop of Mwanza, he made plans to revitalize the congregation with the two remaining brothers. Archbishop Mayala requested brothers from the Banakaroli congregation from the Masaka diocese in Uganda to come and assist with the formation of this congregation. This initiative brought positive ideas that bore fruit after the head of that congregation accepted Archbishop Mayala's request and came to implement this work. The Banakaroli began to nurture the young men who entered formation to become brothers, and in June 1993, they made their first vows. The congregation continued to grow, and as the number of members increased, the Banakaroli returned to their own congregation, while the local members took the lead.
Currently, the Congregation of the Sacred Heart has a total of 16 brothers, some of whom are engaged in pastoral ministry in parishes, the bishop's residence, various institutions, while others are in schools and universities. The congregation still faces challenges, as it has not fully established itself in all areas. The headquarters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located in Mwahoba, within the parish of Nh'ungumalwa in the Mwanza diocese.
Mission of the Congregation:
To spread the gospel in the Archdiocese of Mwanza by providing pastoral services in parishes and receiving various ministries in the institutions of the Archdiocese of Mwanza as deemed appropriate by the congregation's leadership. Additionally, to engage in local hospitality.