Claire N
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Robert K.Muhiirwa Akiiki, has asked Christians to recognize oneness in proclaiming the gospel, explaining that the oneness is received at Baptism, when Christians share in the priesthood of Christ.
The made the call while presiding over Mission Sunday at Virika Cathedral Fort Portal City today, attended by Omukama Edward Rukidi Nyabongo the First of Tooro Kingdom, Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, Hon. Linda Irene Mugisa, among other dignitaries
His Lordship Muhiirwa explained that World Mission Sunday was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926, after a petition from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, inspired by a 17 year old Pauline Jaricot, who started small prayer and fundraising circles to support missions and unite Catholics in solidarity with growing churches worldwide. He clarified that all collections today will be sent to Rome, where the Vatican will decide which churches most urgently need help.
The Bishop also urged Christians to pray for those persecuted because of their faith, especially in Arab countries, commending the missionaries serving in Fort Portal Diocese, including the Camillians, Carmelites, Holy Cross Religious, Dominicans and Capuchins.
Give Ceasar What Belongs to Ceasar
Drawing on today’s scripture about giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God, he reminded Christians that though created in God’s image, they also belong to the world. He asked them to fulfil their earthly duties, such as paying taxes so that government can deliver services, even when those services are not delivered as expected, and for parents to take an active part in educating and nurturing their children.
His Lordship Muhiirwa, asked government to stop turning a deaf ear to citizens’ suggestions, citing the recent PTA fees directive, saying government discourages parents from paying, yet the money it releases is not enough for quality education, while the children of government officials study in expensive schools.
He also reminded the Omukama Nyabongo I that kingship is not merely a title, but service above titles and honours, and urged the faithful to pray for him to serve the people entrusted to him.