Clare
It was joy, thanksgiving, and celebration in Kyabikanga Mirongo Village, Nyabuharwa Sub-county, Kyenjojo District, as Mr. and Mrs. Peter Byabasaija Rubaijaniza of Butiiti Parish, Fort Portal Diocese, marked 40 years of Holy Matrimony over the weekend.
Despite early morning rains, residents braved the tough roads and turned up in large numbers to witness this remarkable milestone four decades of love, grace, and perseverancelcelebrated by a couple also blessed with children who include the Diocesan Youth Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Paul Mugabyomu Amooti.
The celebration was presided over by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Robert Kasaija Muhiirwa Akiiki, Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese, who in his homily reflected on the Gospel parable of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, where only one, a Samaritan returned to give thanks.
The Bishop encouraged Christians to cultivate a spirit of gratitude at all times, not only for major achievements but even for the simple yet profound gift of life and breath.
He commended the Byabasaija family for their thanksgiving spirit and for their commitment to raising a strong family, which has produced professionals, including a priest in the Church.
Marriage advice
Bishop Muhiirwa, who gave marriage advice summarizes in three things Please, Iam sorry and Thank you, also urged young people to remain close to their parents even after achieving success, noting that parents offer irreplaceable wisdom and experiential knowledge not found in books.
He further warned against the growing trend of raising a prayerless generation and called for stronger family prayer life, emphasizing “PUSH Pray Until Something Happens.”
Secret to peaceful marriage
In his remarks, Mr. Peter Byabasaija attributed the success of their 40-year marriage to consistent prayer, mutual respect, good relationships with neighbors, forgiveness, and a supportive partnership. He expressed deep gratitude to God for blessing them with eight children, six of whom are surviving and studied including their son, Rev. Fr. Paul Mugabyomu Amooti.
He also shared his joy that it had long been his dream to host a Bishop at such a thanksgiving celebration, a dream he said had now been fulfilled in God’s perfect timing.
Mrs. Enid Byabasaija extended heartfelt appreciation to all clergy, religious men and women, and the lay faithful for their support, as well as to the Bishop for celebrating Holy Mass in their compound, describing it as a great blessing.
Rev. Fr. Expedito Masereka of Kasese Diocese, who officiated the couple’s wedding 40 years ago at Kyarusozi Parish, expressed gratitude to Butiiti Parish for nurturing him and praised the Byabasaijas as a living testimony of fruitful Christian marriage.
Some residents who spoke to Jubilee Radio described the couple as generous, hospitable, and worthy of celebration, praying that God continues to bless them abundantly.