Clare N
The Rt. Rev. Joseph Sabiiti Mugenyi Apuuli, Bishop Emeritus of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, has encouraged Christians celebrating the Jubilee Year to rediscover the true meaning of jubilation, encouraging them to go beyond feasting and utilize the time to reflect on their lives, correct past mistakes, and plan accordingly for the future.
He made the call over the weekend during a Thanksgiving Mass, which he described as a pilgrimage to his home church, Our Lady of Lourdes Nyansozi Catholic Church, Virika Parish where he celebrated his first Mass 50 years ago.
Celebrating alongside the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the patron saint of Nyansozi, the Bishop encouraged Christians to normalize praying through the Holy Trinity and the saints, but especially through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He reminded them of the biblical story at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus performed a miracle at the request of His Mother.
Call to end conflicts
Bishop Mugenyi also expressed concern about rising conflicts around the world, domestic violence, and the challenge of raising children without proper manners in the name of dot com era, calling on believers to be ambassadors of love, hope, mercy, humility, and trustworthiness. He urged parents to raise their children responsibly, particularly during this Jubilee Year of Hope.
The 77-year-old prelate, who retired from active ministry in 2023, revealed that he is enjoying his retirement in Katoosa, Kyenjojo District, where he continues to offer counseling and spiritual healing to the people of God, but following his ailing health, he works on a few people through appointments.
Clovice Mwesige, the Nyansozi Zone Chairperson, commended the Bishop for choosing to celebrate his 50 years of priesthood at his home church and for inspiring many leaders from the area.
Joseph Mugenyi Ateenyi, a nephew to the Bishop and the NRM flag bearer for Burahya County, also commended the Bishop Emeritus for nurturing responsible leaders in Nyansozi and inspiring more vocations to the priesthood.
The Thanksgiving celebration was attended by all priests originating from Nyansozi, Fr. Titus Winyi (the Virika Parish Priest), religious men and women, and many lay Christians.