June 19~23 was a grace–filled moment of the jubilee gathering for all the schools from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania run by the Sisters of Notre Dame. It was an amazing experience as the Sisters, teachers, students, pupils, and parent representatives arrived. St. Kizito school in Mpanda, Tanzania, was the first to arrive at 5:30 AM. The other schools arrived at different times during the course of the day. They were warmly received by the Sisters and students at Notre Dame School, Arusha, where the celebration took place.
The next day, all woke up with vigor, looking forward to the presentations of the day. There was an opening Mass in the morning by Fr. Sebastian Chirayath, a Salesian of Don Bosco, SDB. Thereafter, Sister Mary Christine, the Delegation Superior, gave the opening address that led to the official beginning of the celebration. There were amazing talents displayed through different programs. All the presentations were creatively done and vibrant, which kept the audience animated.
The climax of the jubilee gathering was on June 21. The day started with the Eucharistic celebration by auxiliary Bishop Prosper Lyimo, assisted by Fr. Paul Yaga from the Spiritan Fathers (Congregation of the Holy Spirit) and Fr. Nobert from the Missionaries of Africa. It was a day filled with gratitude and joy, recounting the numerous blessings God has bestowed on our congregation for the past 175 years, especially in the ministry of education. Everyone had a jubilee T-shirt with the jubilee logo. There were excellent presentations of gifts and talents displayed by the students and pupils that reminded us of our roots in honor of Sister Maria Aloysia and Sister Maria Ignatia.
June 23 was Corpus Christi Sunday. All those in formation, sisters, students, parents, and guests gathered for the special day. There was no procession, but rather a precious moment with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament during Adoration. Later programs followed as planned, and each school had time to express its talents and feelings through songs, dramas, and poems.
On the departure day, all schools travelled to their respective places. The Aspirants, Novices, Sisters, and some students attended Mass, which was celebrated by Fr. Gilbert Lasway from the Society of Jesus. All went home happily and joyfully as pilgrims of gratitude and hope. It was a remarkable and memorable gathering.
