"So an Abundant Harvest:" Five Jesuits Take Final Vows
By Fr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ
24th October, 2026 will go down in the history of the Eastern Africa Province of the Society of Jesus, as a major milestone. Five Jesuits took their final vows, effectively being fully incorporated into the Society of Jesus, which they had promised to enter and spend their entire life in it. This vow celebration was initially to be presided over by Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, unfortunately he could not make it due the death of Fr. Fratern Masawe. The main celebrant was Fr. Chukwuyenum Afiawari, SJ, who represented the General. The colourful celebration took place at Pedro Arrupe Community, Mwangaza.
The five men who took their final vows are: Fr. Dominic Mutuku, SJ, Fr. Paul Kalenzi, SJ, Fr. Evarist Shigi, SJ, Fr. Jean Baptiste Musiitwa, SJ, and Fr. Patrick Ng’ng’a, SJ. The main celebrant was accompanied by Fr. Kizito Kiyimba, SJ, the outgoing AOR Provincial, and the newly appointed AOR Provincial, Fr. Lawrence Kyaligonza, SJ. Bishop Emeritus Rodrigo Mejia, SJ, also graced the celebration, along with over 50 concelebrants, majority of whom were Jesuits.
Regent Eric Mwaniki, SJ, coordinated the choir, with an excellent selection of inspiring hymns like, “Here I am Lord”, “Take and Sanctify”, “Hii ni Ekaristi”, and the famous Suscipe “Thee Alone Are Enough”. The fitting final hymn, invoked Mar: “As I kneel before you…” A wave of consolation engulfed the congregation as the words “Ave Maria, Gratia Plena, Dominus Tecum, Benedicta Tu”, were sung.
In his introductory words, Fr. Kito Kiyimba, SJ, welcomed the congregation to the great celebration, and explained what the final incorporation into the Society of Jesus meant. He welcomed and appreciated the relatives and guests of the vowing men. And also expressed special gratitude to the vowing men for their dedication, resilience, for saying yes to their calling.
Fr. Chukwuyenum, SJ, shared the reflection that the General had prepared for the occasion. Emphasis was on the theme of love and sacrifice, based on the Gospel of John 15:9-17. That bearing fruit comes from being rooted in Christ and being ready to make sacrifices.
Each of the vowing men was mentioned with reference to the contribution they were making as their response to Christ’s invitation to service: Fr. Mutuku, SJ, as a formator in the Arusha Jesuit Noviciate; Fr. Kalenzi, SJ, serving refugees in Uganda, as the Country Director; Fr. Shigi, SJ, serving diligently as the Province Treasurer; Fr. Musiitwa, SJ, serving at Secondary School in Wau, South Sudan, as Principal; Fr. Ng’ang’a, SJ, as retreat director and administrator, at Mwangaza Jesuit Retreat Centre.
At the end of the vow mass, a few speeches followed. The brother of Fr. Musiitwa, Pastoral Coordinator of Kampala Archdiocese, represented the family of the vowed men. He thanked and congratulated the five Jesuits who took their final vows, emphasizing the aspect of commitment. He brought in humour that family members keep track of how their members are doing in their respective vocations. That success stories like taking final vows bring joy and pride to the family. He urged the finally vowed Jesuits to remain fully committed to their calling.
Fr. Paul Kalenzi, SJ, spoke on behalf of his colleagues. He joyfully expressed great relief that finally with the taking of final vows, they can use “SJ” after their names. The congregation gave rapturous applause. He thanked all those who had accompanied them in their formation journey, especially during Tertianship. He expressed special gratitude to God, who gave them the gift of vocation. He also appreciated their parents, relatives and friends, who have been supporting and encouraging them in their formation journey.
Fr. Deshi Ramadhan, SJ. Superior of Pedro Arrupe Community, congratulated the vowed men, and thanked the guests who had graced the celebration. He particularly acknowledged the “Wazee” of Pedro Arrupe Community, Fr. Bob White, SJ, Fr. John Legge, SJ, and Fr. Shirima Amedeus, SJ, whose main apostolate is praying for the Society of Jesus. They were given a round of applause.
The MC of the day, Fr. George Macharia, SJ, requested if the outgoing Provincial would consider following the in-coming Provincial to say a word. This request was granted. Fr. Kyaligonza, SJ, shared a bit about how he was feeling after he was appointed the new Provincial of AOR. He humorously shared about having sleepless nights figuring out what to do make of the new responsibility awaiting him. He was consoled by the constant smiles on people’s faces, whenever they meet him. After congratulating the newly vowed men, he expressed optimism on the readiness and availability of the vowed companions, who are ready for mission.
The MC announced that after the mass, there would follow a special ceremony in the small Chapel, where the vowed men would pronounce extra special vows. The cutting of the cake followed, then a special lunch in honour of the five finally vowed men.
To crown the day, Loyola House had a special celebration in honour of Fr. Shigi, SJ, in the evening. Several guests honoured the event. Wonderful speeches were given, with one common theme: congratulating Fr. Shigi and wishing him success and continued joy in his vocation.
Loyalties also celebrated the Birthdays of Freddie Osewe, SJ, and Chris Mapunda, SJ, 24th October, Saturday evening. This was a combined celebration of Shigi’s final vows and the two birthday boys. Fr. Chris belongs to our sister Community in Molo, Paul Miki Community. It was only fitting that we celebrate him as well.
LAP congratulates the five finally vowed men and wishes then God’s choicest blessings.
