The first members

Our Story

The Grail, as the name adopted by women movement, referring to the Holy Cup that was used by our Lord Jesus Christ during the Last Supper with his disciples (1 Cor. 10:16).

The Grail is an international spiritual, cultural and social movement of women, which is rooted in Christian faith and committed to the transformation of the world into a global community of justice and peace.  It is a community of lay women that seeks to live in the dynamism of the Spirit with fidelity and creativity, and to be responsive to the signs of the times in its activities and involvements (International Structures of the Grail 1.1, amended IGA 1985, IGA, 1988, IGA 1998).

The Grail was founded in the Netherlands on 1st of November, All Saints Day, by a Jesuit Priest, Rev. Fr. Jacques Van Ginneken in 1921.  It was initially a movement for young women inspired and led by a group of Catholic lay women who dedicated their lives and personal resources to the renewal of the world and church of their day.  Originally called ‘Women of Nazareth’ in the Diocese of Haarlem, under Bishop J. J. Callier, this identifiable group in the Grail is now known as ‘the Nucleus’ in a movement of women of different life choices each and all responsible for the common vision and mission. The Nucleus of the Grail a group of women who commit their lives to Celibacy, Poverty,  and obedience putting all their time, talents, energy and possessions fully at the disposal of the Grail

Our founder had a vision of conversion of the world through women who were ready to use their talents and surrender their whole  lives to serve God. “The Society of the Women of Nazareth started as a ‘pia union’ in the Roman Catholic church.

Having started as a local youth movement in the Diocese of Haarlen, Netherlands, Grail soon began its expansion. Firstly by neighboring European countries (Germany, Belgium and England). Expanding throughout the United States of America and Australia, during the Second World War, in Europe. 

The Grail Movement in Uganda started in July 1953 at the invitation of His Grace Luis Joseph Cabana M. Afri (W.F), Apostolic Vicar of Uganda and Bishop Joseph Kiwanuka of Masaka Diocese in 1952. During this same year of invitation, The Grail International leader Lydwine Van Kersbegen and her colleague Margaret Van Gilse came to visit Uganda and talk with the Archbishop about The Grail coming to give their services in the medical field first and later on in Social and Education fields. The Grail is registered with civil authorities under the registered Trustees of The Grail Uganda. It operates in three Catholic Dioceses namely;

  1. Kampala Archdiocese based at Lubaga Hill
  2. Masaka Diocese based at Kitovu near the cathedral
  3. Mbarara Archdiocese in Mushanga- Mushanga parish
 

Inspired by the gospel values, the Grail Uganda is committed to transforming the lives of people in Uganda especially the Youth and Women by empowering them through Education, Health care, Economical and Agricultural Program, Networking and collaborating with other Stake holders for effective lobbying and advocacy for Justice and Peace in the Society

Grail Uganda embodies the gospel values by focusing on holistic transformation for individuals and communities, particularly emphasizing the empowerment of youth and women. Their approach includes several key areas:

  1. Education: Grail Uganda prioritizes educational initiatives that provide access to quality learning opportunities. This includes scholarships, vocational training, and workshops that enhance skills and knowledge, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

  2. Health Care: Understanding that health is foundational to personal and community development, Grail Uganda implements health programs that promote awareness, prevention, and access to medical services. This includes maternal health, reproductive health education, and support for mental health.

  3. Economic Empowerment: Through various economic and agricultural programs, Grail Uganda helps individuals develop sustainable livelihoods. This may involve training in entrepreneurship, providing microloans, and supporting agricultural initiatives that ensure food security and economic independence.

  4. Networking and Collaboration: Grail Uganda actively collaborates with local and international stakeholders, including NGOs, government agencies, and community organizations. This networking enhances their advocacy efforts, enabling them to push for policies that promote justice, peace, and equitable resource distribution.

  5. Advocacy for Justice and Peace: The organization is dedicated to lobbying for social justice and peace within communities. This involves raising awareness about human rights issues, engaging in community dialogue, and promoting initiatives that foster social cohesion and conflict resolution.

By integrating these areas, Grail Uganda works towards a comprehensive transformation of society, ensuring that marginalized groups, particularly youth and women, have the tools and support they need to thrive.

A well-coordinated and self-sustaining institute focused on Christ-centered services aims to foster both pastoral care and socio-economic transformation within society. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

The institute’s mission is rooted in Christian values, emphasizing compassion, service, and community engagement. Its vision is to create a society where individuals are spiritually nourished and economically empowered:-

  1. Pastoral Services:

    • Spiritual Development: Offering programs like retreats, workshops, and counseling to help individuals deepen their faith and spiritual lives.
    • Community Worship: Organizing regular services and prayer gatherings that foster a sense of belonging and community.
  2. Socio-Economic Programs:

    • Vocational Training: Providing skills training to help individuals gain employment or start their own businesses, thus improving their economic stability.
  3. Community Engagement:

    • Collaborative Projects: Partnering with local organizations and churches to address community needs, such as health care, education, and social services.
    • Advocacy: Promoting social justice issues and working to create policies that support the marginalized and vulnerable populations.
  4. Self-Sustainability:

    • Revenue-Generating Activities: Establishing income-generating projects (like farms, artisan workshops, or retail services) that fund the institute’s programs and reduce reliance on external funding.
    • Resource Management: Utilizing efficient management practices to ensure sustainability, including training staff and volunteers in operational skills.
  5. Holistic Approach:

    • Integrated Services: Addressing the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of individuals, recognizing that true transformation occurs when all aspects of a person’s life are nurtured.

Impact on Society

By focusing on both pastoral care and socio-economic development, the institute not only nurtures individual faith but also fosters community resilience and empowerment. This dual approach encourages a transformative environment where people can grow spiritually and economically, leading to a more just and equitable society.

Overall, the Grail serves as a beacon of hope, guiding individuals and communities towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

1. Christ centeredness
2. Living a community life, sharing and giving joyful services with love and compassion
3. Justice and Integrity
4. Stewardship (Accountability and Transparency )
5. Networking and collaboration
6. Diversity
.

These core values reflect the foundation of a well-coordinated, Christ-centered institute dedicated to fostering pastoral and socio-economic transformation. Here’s an explanation of each value:
1. Christ-Centeredness This value emphasizes the importance of Christ as the core of all activities and services. It guides the institute's mission and interactions, ensuring that all actions reflect Christian teachings and promote spiritual growth.
2. Living a Community Life Fostering a sense of community is essential. This value promotes sharing, collaboration, and the joy of serving others with love and compassion. It encourages members to engage actively in community life, supporting one another and creating a welcoming environment.
3. Justice and Integrity Commitment to justice and integrity means advocating for fairness and ethical behavior in all aspects of life. This includes promoting social justice, standing against discrimination, and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
4. Stewardship (Accountability and Transparency) Stewardship involves responsible management of resources, both financial and human. This value highlights the importance of accountability and transparency, ensuring that all actions and decisions are made in the best interest of the community and are communicated openly.
5. Networking and Collaboration Building strong networks and partnerships with other organizations, churches, and community groups enhances the institute’s impact. This value encourages collaboration to pool resources, share knowledge, and create comprehensive solutions to societal challenges.
6. Diversity Celebrating diversity means recognizing and valuing the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of individuals within the community. This value promotes inclusivity and ensures that everyone feels respected and empowered to contribute to the institute’s mission.
By embodying these values, the institute can create a vibrant and effective environment that nurtures spiritual and socio-economic growth, ultimately transforming lives and communities.