By Alice
Iboroga Parish in the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese marked a двой celebration over the weekend as it commemorated nine years of faith, growth, and service, alongside the commissioning of members of the Uganda Catholic Women Apostolate (UCWA) and the Catholic Men Association (CMA).
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese, Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa, who applauded the parish for its steady progress in evangelization, education, and charitable works since its establishment.
Commissioning for Mission and Service
In an important highlight of the day, Bishop Muhiirwa formally commissioned members of UCWA and CMA, urging them to remain faithful to their constitution and embrace their mission in the Church.
The members took vows committing themselves to promoting Catholic teaching, supporting pastoral activities, caring for the needy, and defending family values in accordance with Church doctrine.
In his homily, the Bishop emphasized the vital role of lay apostolate movements in strengthening the Church’s mission.
“Through UCWA and CMA, you are called to ministries of prayer, evangelization, charity, visiting the sick, supporting widows, and strengthening Christian families,” he said.
He further challenged Christians to place their love for Jesus Christ above material possessions and personal comfort, and to recognize and serve Christ in every person especially the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.
Celebrating Marriage and Christian Family Life.
The celebration was further enriched as ten couples received the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Bishop Muhiirwa encouraged them to embrace agape love selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love modeled on Christ.
He reminded the couples that strong Christian marriages are built on enduring love and forgiveness, urging them to emulate the virtues of St. Joseph, St. Monica, and Saints Martin and Marie.
The Bishop also called on men to actively share parental responsibilities, love their wives, and nurture their children in faith.
Nine Years of Growth and Achievement
Reflecting on the parish’s journey, the Chairperson of the Parish Council of Laity, Tinka Stephen, highlighted remarkable milestones achieved over the past nine years.
The parish now comprises of 19 church centers 6 sub-parishes 36 catechists.
He noted that Iboroga Parish has nurtured vocations, producing two priests Rev. Fr. George Byangabu and Rev. Fr. Bright Richard as well as four religious sisters: Rev. Sr. Mary Hope, Rev. Sr. Agatha Ahaisibwe, Rev. Sr. Justine Mbabazi, and Rev. Sr. Jackline Kemigabo.
Additionally, the parish is preparing to celebrate another milestone with seminarian Kaijuka Simon Peter expected to be ordained a deacon in August.
Beyond spiritual growth, the parish has undertaken several development initiatives, including church construction, coffee farming, and vibrant Small Christian Communities.
Looking ahead, Tinka outlined future plans such as completing church construction and venturing into dairy farming to strengthen economic sustainability.
Strengthening Lay Participation
Speaking at the event, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Alex Isingoma, expressed gratitude for the commissioning of UCWA and CMA, noting that the associations will deepen spiritual growth and active participation in parish life.
Robert Kyakuha, the CMA moderator, revealed that the association has 207 registered members, while UCWA boasts 412 members.
He emphasized that their vision is to empower men spiritually, socially, and economically, forming responsible fathers committed to moral transformation and supporting Church initiatives.