BY CLARE NAYEBARE
Parishioners of St. Jude’s CSC Parish, Kyarusozi, have joyfully celebrated their 31st Parish Day in a colorful and prayerful event animated by Kyarusozi Sub-Parish on a Sunday that was also celebrated as the feast of St. Jude Thaddeus in advance since it falls on the 28th of every October.
A Call to Humility in Service
Presiding over the celebration on behalf of the Provincial Superior, Fr. Julius Mumbere, CSC, the Provincial Steward, encouraged Christians to walk together in faith with humility and mutual respect. He reflected on the Gospel of the Pharisee and the tax collector, cautioning against competition and jealousy, especially among Church movements, but instead called for a spirit of collaboration in building up the faith community.
Fr. Mumbere, who commended the parish for its remarkable spiritual transformation over the past three decades, extended special recognition to Fr. Richard Pothast, CSC, the first parish priest, for laying a strong foundation that has enabled Kyarusozi to stand today as a model parish in the Diocese of Fort Portal.
Fr. Pothast, who graced the celebration, shared that the parish was named after St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron of impossible cases, reflecting the community’s perseverance through early challenges. He rejoiced in the parish’s spiritual renewal seen through active movements such as the Charismatic Renewal, CANA, Catholic Women and Men Associations, Holy Childhood, Bakaiso, and the Legion of Mary.
A Model of Spiritual and Socio-economic Growth
The Parish Priest, Fr. James Burasa, CSC, attributed the parish’s success to the unity and dedication of parishioners working through various Church groups and the continued support from the CSC congregation. He noted that in 2023, the Bishops of the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province who visited Fort Portal Diocese, recognized Kyarusozi as an exemplary parish for its strong organization and vibrant faith life.
He further explained that following the recent drop in tea prices, a key income source for many families, the parish leadership has promoted coffee farming as one of the alternative economic activities
Emmanuel Kamara, the Chairperson council of laity Kyarusozi, noted that the parish itself has started an eight-acre coffee project, which aims to strengthen the parish’s self-reliance and inspire parishioners to do the same.
Encouragement from the Chief Guest
The Chief Guest, Prof. Edmond Kagambe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration)of Mountains of the Moon University and a proud parishioner of Kyarusozi, commended the parish for its impressive spiritual and physical development. He lauded the Congregation of Holy Cross for their dedication to holistic ministry that integrates faith and development.
Prof.Kagambe, encouraged parishioners to embrace productive agriculture, particularly coffee and poultry farming, to raise household incomes and sustain their families and the parish’s growth at large. He contributed 3 million shillings and pledged coffee seedlings to cover one acre in support of the parish’s coffee project.
Reflecting on the offerings made during the celebration, he emphasized the need for stronger families and more sustainable livelihoods, noting that “Tooro is truly what makes Uganda the Pearl of Africa,” but that its people must be visionary and make better use of the abundant natural resources at their disposal.
Kagambe, further advised residents to refrain from giving birth to many children that they will later fail to take care of, encouraging them to produce children that fit in their economic means for better education and planning.
Tributes to Holy Cross Leadership
In a written message delivered by Fr. Mumbere, Rev. Fr. Peter Caxton Mayanja, CSC, the East African Provincial Superior, congratulated the parish on its anniversary and resilience during challenging economic times. He applauded the close collaboration between the Holy Cross priests and the people of Kyarusozi, which has borne much fruit in faith, education, and development.
The parish is currently led by Fr. James Burasa, CSC (Parish Priest), assisted by Fr. Emmanuel Isabirye, CSC, Fr. Novert Ogezi, CSC, and Deacon Deus, CSC. The team continues to guide the parishioners toward both spiritual maturity and economic empowerment.