As Christians anticipate the Christmas season, the Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, has urged believers to draw lessons from the entire story of the birth of Christ, especially humility, love, and resilience.
Addressing journalists gathered last week at the Bishop’s residence in Kijanju Ward, Fort Portal City, for his Christmas message, Bishop Muhiirwa encouraged Christians to overcome fear and complacency and emulate the shepherds who courageously went to meet and support Christ born in a manger.
He called on believers to extend charity, love, and kindness to the needy within their communities, citing an example of Tooro Babies Home, which cares for neglected infants and orphans. He encouraged Christians to normalize reaching out to such vulnerable groups and share the joy of Christmas with them.
Understand what you celebrate
The Bishop also called on believers to understand what they are celebrating, and outlined key ways of preparing for Christmas, including repentance from pride, anger, lust, excessive drinking, and jealousy, while choosing to live sacrificially and compassionately, in imitation of Christ not just focusing on new dress code, food and festivities.
Voting freely
As the country prepares for upcoming elections, Bishop Muhiirwa called for prayers for all stakeholders, including politicians, security and the Electoral Commission, to carry out their responsibilities fairly.
He also urged citizens to exercise their right to vote freely and responsibly, adding that if they stay intimidated and fear to participate in the secret ballot vote, wrong leaders may be chosen at the end of the day