Clare N
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert K.Muhiirwa Akiiki, has completed his first two-day pastoral visit to Mpara Parish in Katoosa Deanery, Kyegegwa District. The parish, established four years ago, received the Bishop warmly during his visit.
The pastoral program, which began on Saturday to Sunday, was marked by the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to a total of 546 Christians: 249 at Kyarujumba Sub-County and 297 at Mpara Parish. The Bishop also managed to wed 16 couples , 7 in Kyarujumba and 9 in Mpara including the oldest couple, an 85-year-old groom and a 65-year-old bride, and the youngest, in their early twenties.
In his message, Bishop Muhiirwa urged the newly confirmed to be guided by the Holy Spirit they had received, the same Spirit that transforms bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ at consecration. He encouraged them to resist negative peer influences and instead join Church-based movements that nurture both spiritual and personal growth, while remaining mindful of God’s mercy in shaping their future.
The Bishop further advised students to embrace practical and vocational skills as a means of self-reliance in today’s competitive job market, where many young people struggle due to limited opportunities for white-collar employment.
New Eucharistic center
During the same visit, Bishop Muhiirwa officially opened Kyarujumba Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Center, calling upon the faithful to make good use of the Blessed Sacrament by consistently praying for themselves, their leaders, their families, and vocations within the Diocese.
Speaking on behalf of the parish community, Mr. Aggrey Nabaasa Lawrence, Chairperson Council of the Laity, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for the impactful visit, which he described as significant for three reasons: the Confirmation of their children, the celebration of weddings, and the opening of a Eucharistic Center. He also thanked the catechism teachers, parish priests Fr. Robert Byamukama and Fr. Good Luck Samson, parents, and the newly confirmed for their active participation.
As the parish embarks on the construction of its new church, Mr. Nabaasa appealed to the Bishop for his moral support and guidance on how the project can be successfully completed.