Clare N
Five Novices have taken their first step toward religious priesthood and brotherhood, professing first vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience in the Congregation of Holy Cross, in a ceremony held today at the Saaka Novitiate in Kabarole District.
The newly professed include David Arika, Denis Ariko, Felix Musakubawo, Charles Ddungu, and Valence Mboya all now bearing the title CSC, as they proceed with formation for religious life.
The Mass was presided over by Reverend Fr, Lawrence Mwenya, a Council member of the East Africa Provincial team. In his homily, Fr Mwenya challenged the novices to live by their vows with sincerity , to set aside worldly attachments and follow Christ, to whom they publicly said “Yes”.
Fr Mwenya CSC, was particular about the road ahead, warning them of unfair judgment, demanding responsibilities, and seasons of fatigue and illness which he regarded as crosses, But reassured them that through prayer, they would never face these trials alone.
Parents call for togetherness
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mr. Majarit Charles Mary thanked the Congregation of Holy Cross — its priests, brothers, and sisters for nurturing, educating, and preparing their sons for a life of ministry. He urged the newly professed to remain united as brothers and to face the challenges of modern life through prayer.
Speaking on behalf of the newly professed, Denis Ariko thanked God for bringing them this far on their journey of faith. He extended gratitude to the Congregation for its unwavering support and for walking with them at every step of formation. He also thanked their parents for their prayers and for raising them in a life of faith, and appealed to fellow Christians to continue holding them in prayer as they advance to the next stage of religious life.
Oneness in Church
Bro.Cleophas Kyomuhendo, Holy Cross East Africa Provincial Vicar and formator at Saaka Novitiate, called for unity among Holy Cross priests, brothers, sisters, and the wider Church urging all to reject anything that sows division.
He praised the collaborative effort of priests, lay Christians, and the religious community in forming the novices over the past year, and issued a call for more young men to join the congregation , noting that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Representing the Provincial Superior, Fr.Mwenya closed with a charge to the newly professed, to stay focused, carry their daily cross with faith, and entrust it fully to the Creator.
He thanked everyone who contributed to making the day a success.