A total of 41 members of the deacon class year four, have today graduated with Diplomas in in theological and pastoral studies at St. Paul’s National Major Seminary Kinyamasika.
The graduates, await their BA in the same discipline from the pontifical Urban University in Rome.
Of these, include three from the diocese of Fort Portal, and the rest from all other dioceses in Uganda, awaiting priestly ordination, following approval from the bishop.
The 25th graduation ceremony at Kinyamasika, has been graced by their own Old Boy the Rt.Rev Dr Joseph Echiru Oliach, the Bishop of Soroti diocese doubling as the Vice chairman Episcopal Commission for Priestly formation.
The day, started with speeches and awarding of certificates and diplomas to the deacons as witnessed by invited guests including their parents.
The chief guest Bishop Eciru, also led mass to seal off the function from where he delivered his word of briefing the graduates.
Bishop Eciru’s Message to Deacons
In his homily, Bishop Eciru has revealed to the deacon graduates, to be men with courage because they are the next leaders who ought to prepare to face tough times in the world awaiting them.
” I imagine you are ordained a priest and given responsibility to run a parish with more than ten outstations. You must be men of reality. I expect each one of you to be an independent man and be ready for any thing that can happen to you any time from you. Go bear fruits that will last forever.” Remarked Bishop Eciru.
Soroti’s ordinary, has also advised the deacons to respect and love their God, superiors, their people and their work.
He has finally warned them on acts like alcoholism, that has become common saying it portrays irresponsibility.
Rector Lauds Deacons
The Rector St.Pauls Kinyamasika, Rev. Fr. Dr Vincent Muhindo, has congratulated the Deacons upon the accomplished milestone that was somewhat disrupted by COVID-19.
He reminded them to reflect the values instilled into them by the seminary because the world expects only the best of them.
”This year has faced a number of challenges as results of covid-19 effects. I am glad the Deacons have finally achieved success at the end of it all. On a normal schedule, we should have hosted the 26th graduation but ithas not been possible” Observed Fr. Muhindo.
The Rector, thanked Parents of the deacons who were present also on the function, for the total support right from their respective homes and spiritually grooming their sons.
His vote of thanks, was also extended to the staff members and all priests at large who have joined efforts to yield the best of the students.
Deacon Anthony Acire, a graduate from Gulu diocese, has expressed his readiness for the next chapter of priesthood in his life, and pledged to uplift people spiritually in these hard moments of the economic crisis, where many have become hopeless.
He lauded parents and teachers for the support. Deacon Acire, is hopeful for the best of the next step which is priesthood.
After mass
Bishop Eciru, the old boy of this Seminary, planted a tree in memory of the 25th graduation ceremony at St. Pauls.
About the Diploma
Theology is an ancient intellectual discipline, with continuing and momentous social significance around the world today.
students gain an understanding of the intellectual underpinning of religious traditions, and of the social and cultural contexts for religious belief and practice.
The diploma in theological and pastoral studies, is the final academic requirement for deacons to be ordained priests.
Pictorial: Why you should visit St. Paul’s National Major Seminary Kinyamasika
