Q & A with Sr. Mary Germina Keneema

Sr. Mary Germina Keneema is the executive secretary for the Social Communications Commission of the Archdiocese of Mbarara in southwestern Uganda. As part of her duties, Keneema distributes messages from the archbishop to secular and religious media, prepares press conferences and issues press releases. She edits and records radio programs, which are a popular means of communication between the church and its people in Africa. Kemeema also organizes and conducts communications workshops.

In June 2014, Keneema was appointed by the African Sisters Education Collaborative to be assistant coordinator for its leadership program in Uganda. She now coordinates the courses sponsored by the collaborative there, recruits sisters to attend them and oversees finances.

How do you approach your work?

As a Missionary Sister of Mary Mother of the Church, I am guided by our charism of motherhood. I execute my work as a mother in whatever I do. I try as much as possible, through both word and action, to help the people I meet and work with, so that they can attain holiness and have life abundantly. As a religious sister who is a journalist, I try to make a difference in my reporting by adhering to the truth and objectivity in whatever I write and broadcast.

What has been the most satisfying?

I was assigned to the work in communications, in which I have been trained, and I have a passion for it. When I carry out training and I see people able to communicate better, I feel fulfilled. It is even more gratifying to be able to pass on information to people who would have never received the information otherwise.

What has been the most challenging?

Heading a commission in the diocese where all other commissions are headed by men is a big challenge. They tend to look down upon women and do not appreciate what I do because they feel challenged. Our African culture is dominated by men, and journalism and broadcasting are still dominated by men, especially in the Catholic church.

How do you see God working in your world?

God is wonderful and has led me through 57 years of life, 37 years of religious life and 33 years as a journalist! He called me to serve him. He has kept me close to himself and granted me all the graces I need and all the energy to serve him in his people. He has held my hand and made me successful in so many things, which I could not have done if it was not for him. May his name be praised evermore.

[Joyce Meyer, a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the international liaison to women religious for Global Sisters Report.]