The Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel – Mbarara Institute originated from the Canadian sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Good Counsel, founded in Chicoutimi, Canada, on 4 November 1894 by Bishop Michael Labrecque together with Mademoiselle Francoise Simard (1851 – 1937). Mother Boniconsilii became the Institute’s first Superior General.
In 1937, four Canadian sisters arrived in Uganda. That same year, they accepted the first Ugandan girls to live among them. These girls were admitted to the novitiate on 2 February 1943 and took their first vows in 1945 (the year of foundation). The branch of the Canadian Institute in Uganda was established as an independent diocesan congregation on 26 September 1957. It is now officially known as the “Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel of Mbarara”.
In summary, Francoise Simard (Mother Marie du Bon-Conseil), our Foundress, lived 43 years of religious life. She was a woman embraced by God; she knew that God was her Lord and Master, remained open to his promptings and accepted her condition as a “simple instrument” in building the Kingdom of God on earth. Mother Marie du Bon-Conseil (1851 – 1937) pronounced her “Total Yes” in the words “God is the Master”. Today, the approximately 330 sisters of the Congregation work in 60 communities located in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the USA. They are involved in medicine, mental health and formation, especially teaching. The sisters identify with the poor, justice, charity and obedience.
Charism
The charism of the Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel is expressed in obedience through love, in total submission to the will of God and service to one’s neighbour.
The sisters live according to Ignatian spirituality. To continue along this path, they experience the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola. Their mission is evangelisation through the integral formation and education of the poorest members of society.