October 4, 2008

First Profession of first Ugandan vocation

On August 22, 2008 (Feast of the Queenship of Mary), Fr. Godfrey Chandya Lega, a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Gulu in Northern Uganda, made his First Profession of Vows as a Carmelite Friar of the California-Arizona Province.

Impressions of my First Religious Profession
By Fr. Godfrey Chandya, OCD

In thanksgiving to God on this day of my first religious profession as the first Ugandan Carmelite under the Western Province of the Discalced Carmelites (USA) I am greatly indebted to Fr. David Costello, OCD and the entire California/Arizona Province, headed by our Provincial Superior, Fr. Matthew Williams, OCD, for having requested for my profession to be in Uganda, and not in Nigeria, where I have had my novitiate experience.

I was honored by the fact that my vows were received by Fr. David Costello OCD, in the presence of Fr. Edmond Shabani, OCD, Fr. Larry Daniels, OCD., the Sisters of our Lady of Mount Carmel, Sr. Ulrike, OCD, representing the Carmelite Nuns of Kiyinda-Mityana, a few Sisters from other congregations and other People of God. This was a cause of great joy for me on this day of my profession, which by its mode was quite simple, but very solemn. The liturgy of the day was vibrant, the choir and the participants made it very prayerful.

Lastly, I am grateful for the gifts I received on this day of my profession. I am also grateful for the items of entertainment that were presented in the Hall after the Mass.

May these impressions help me to live by the vows I have professed. May God grant me to drink always of the Spirit of Carmel in order to attain union with Him.
In Carmel,
Fr. Godfrey Chandya Lega, OCD


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations and prayerful good wishes to you Fr. Godfrey on your first profession as a Discalced Carmelite! I greet you as a fellow Carmelite who served at Kyengeza parish for 3 and a half years. It was a privilege and an honor, and I hope some day to be able to return to Kyengeza even if only for a brief visit. Fr. Colm Stone OCD