The Moment had been eagerly awaited! Preparations for the Celebration had been in full Swing for the past few days. But on the Morning of September 5th, everything was ready! 3,000 people arrived at Mount Saint Teresa, Kisubi.
The Members of the General Conference left Nabinoonya very early that Saturday Morning, September 5th, to travel to Mount Saint Teresa in Kisubi. A Warm Welcome, shared Smiles, and Joy filled their Hearts, all convinced that we were about to experience a Truly Special Moment… The Guests arrived one after another. The Guest Book was there, collecting numerous Signatures. Each person received a Centennial Album (a Beautiful Publication that revisits the Province’s 100 years, rich in Photographs) and a Centennial Cap (which would be invaluable for protection from the Sun).
 |
 |
 |
The Brass Band from Bukuumi, was already in full Swing, giving the Day its Festive Atmosphere. Then the Officials arrived, including the Archbishop of Kampala, followed by Three or Four other Bishops. The Sisters of Nebbi also came for the Celebration. Finally, the Vice-President of the Republic, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Buganda, and various Members of the Kampala Parliament arrived.
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Centenary Celebrations could Begin.
First Act: Blessing of the Foundation Stone of the Centenary Monument, which was none other than the Future Home of the Senior Brothers of the Province: Anmpressive Building that could accommodate about forty Residents… let us not forget that 100 years after its Foundation the Province now has almost 200 Brothers.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Act 2: The Procession began, leading us to the Site of the Grand Celebration, where Immense Marquees (Tents) are erected to shelter all the Guests, the Celebrants, the Orchestra, and the Large Choir that would magnificently enliven the Ceremony. After the Cross, in that Order, come the Postulants, the Novices, all the Brothers of the Province, then the Major Superiors, the Superior General and the Members of the General Council, the Priests, and finally the Bishops and the Archbishop of Kampala, who would preside over the Ceremony.
|
 |
 |
 |
Act 3: The Eucharistic Celebration, Solemn, Contemplative, and Warm, with various Processions and Dances to harmoniously broke the Ceremony. A phrase from the Archbishop’s Beautiful Homily: “After those 100 Years of Life, look to the Future with Confidence!”
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Act 4: Sharing the Centenary Cake, Official Photos, Parades of the Brothers of the Province by Successive Generations of Pioneers, of “Builders”… Parade which ended with the “Disciples of the Centenary”!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Act 5: Numerous Speeches! including that of the Provincial Superior, Brother Casio AIZIRE, and Brother André BILODEAU, the Last Canadian Missionary Brother in Africa, who read a Message from Brother Mario HOULE, Provincial of the Jean-Marie de la Mennais Province (Canada, USA, Mexico), the Province from which the First Brothers departed for Uganda in 1926. The Superior General, Brother Hervé ZAMOR, also spoke, followed by the Archbishop of Kampala. Civil Authorities, including the Prime Minister and the Vice-President, concluded that Lengthy Series of Speeches. The Vice-President then read a Beautiful Message from the President of the Republic, Mr. MUSEVENI.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Act 6: All that remained was to Celebrate Warmly and Fraternally. Wow, what an Organization! Feeding 3,000 People was no Easy Feat. Congratulations to all the Organizers of that Centenary Day. Thank you to all the Brothers of the Province of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus. The Photos speak louder than Words! But you could also watch the Entire Centenary Celebration on YouTube: : https://www.youtube.com/live/LT45vDX_yQA?si=WDkLmPUe5DLg1z0b
Witness of the Day, Brother Hervé ASSE