My desire in childhood was to become a sister and a nurse. When I joined nursing school, I got more exposed to different religious congregations and that’s when I came to meet the Holy Cross sisters.
I was happy to join a life so different because I knew God was calling me. There were discouragements along the way, but I never gave up. I missed my family very much, but I loved God so much that I knew this was what I had to do.
Sister Angelica Birungi, CSC, right, serves the health needs of the people of Kirinda, Uganda, as director of Kyembogo Holy Cross Health Centre. Standing with her is Sister Daisy Kabuletta, CSC.
My journey begins
I got more interested in Holy Cross because of frequent invitations and by attending weekly Mass, and some weekends I was invited to experience being with sisters, especially Sisters M. Edward Ann (Wetzel), M. Leonella (Moe) and M. Jane Chantal (Method). The Congregation had no Africans but that did not discourage me. I was attracted by their love and hospitality.
I became one of the first two Ugandans to join the Congregation. It was like a dream when I made my first vows, and here I am today, 30 years later. I am glad to see more young women are interested to join us.
From left are Holy Cross Sisters M. Leonela (Moe), Angelica Birungi, Mary De Nardis and M. St. Jean (Howl) in a meeting in the early 1990’s.
My ministry
My journey has afforded me with many opportunities to minister to God’s people through nursing, administration and pastoral ministries. I have been a director of the Kyembogo Holy Cross Health Centre, Kirinda, Uganda, for a good number of years. I served as a formator, a spiritual guide and have accompanied young women.
My primary hope is that as vocations increase, we can respond to more ministry needs in East Africa. I hope that Holy Cross will continue to grow.
View of the Kyembogo Holy Cross Health Center.
Sister Angelica Birungi, CSC, feeding a newborn child at Kyembogo Holy Cross Health Center.
Sister Angelica with young mother and baby at Kyembogo Holy Cross Health Center.
My hope for the future
Sister Angelica with the supplies at Kyembogo Holy Cross Health Center.
Our ministry has been affected by COVID-19. The number of patients in the health center has gone down, and schools have been closed. There is a lot of domestic violence and there will be a lot of school dropouts, leading to pregnancy and single mothers after the pandemic. Poverty will increase while the rich get richer.
I believe and trust the One who called me; the One whom I follow in Holy Cross will continue to shower me with blessings, fill me with his love in hope and faith. My journey in Holy Cross has been a mystery, a joy, and fulfilling, especially in knowing that it is God who leads me and I am with other women on the journey to help me to go on.
Where is Your Heart?
Whether you yearn for something more or just have found yourself interested in knowing about religious life, this is a good place to start.
Sister Angelica Birungi assists a newborn and mother in the maternity ward at Kyembogo Holy Cross Health Center.