Clare
The Bishop of the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, has urged the public to turn to repentance and prayer, asking God to show mercy and bring about positive change amid the many challenges facing the world today.
He made these remarks yesterday during the Thanksgiving Mass for Rev. Sr. Fransiska Nangoozi of the Congregation of Maria Reparatrix, who was celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in religious life at Byeba Kasenene Community in Kyegegwa, Wekomiire parish.
Bishop Muhiirwa highlighted that one of the core commitments of the Reparatrix Sisters is deep and sustained prayer, alongside their vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty commitments that have supported Sr. Nangoonzi in reaching this significant milestone of 60 years.
Pressing Issues
He encouraged the community to recognize and respect the special calling of the Reparatrix sisters and to join them in prayer for God’s mercy on the world. He cited several pressing issues such as unfair taxation without corresponding government services, corruption, poor infrastructure, shortages of medicine in hospitals, natural disasters like earthquakes that claim many lives, and ongoing wars, clear signs of God’s displeasure with humanity.
Speaking on the theme of seeking God, Bishop Muhiirwa acknowledged the significance of yesterday’s Feast of the Nativity of Mary and praised Sr. Nangoonzi for emulating Mary’s example in fully accepting God’s will throughout her religious journey.
In her remarks, Sr. Nangoonzi reflected that, unlike her earlier Jubilees, which focused primarily on her personal relationship with God, her Diamond Jubilee centered on others focusing on the theme “Make a Home a Better Place to Live In.”
She decried the rising conflicts within families caused by selfishness and a lack of concern for others, often negatively impacting the innocent children.
She called for a redefinition of family values by nurturing children holistically with a knowledge of God through home Catechism lessons. She also urged the government to support faith-based programs in schools to help foster this positive development.
Rev. Fr. Vincent Karatunga, a founding member of the Kasenene Byeba convent in Kyegegwa described Sr. Nangoonzi as a passionate and inspiring person whose dedication continues to encourage many, despite her advanced age.