Clare N
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, has called on priests to remain committed to serving the people of God and the Church, regardless of the offices they hold or the honors they have received.
He made this appeal yesterday at Virika Cathedral during the Chrism Mass, at which the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens were blessed and the Sacred Chrism Oil consecrated in a celebration thatbbrought together all priests within the diocese, who also renewed their sacerdotal promises.
Priest for people
In his homily, Bishop Muhiirwa reminded the priests that renewing their priestly promises is a call to continue Christ’s ministerial mission by faithfully serving the Church and its people. He emphasized that valid priesthood is not demonstrated by offices, but by a willingness to move beyond their comfort zone, accompany the faithful, offer guidance, feel with them and help them turn away from sinful ways so as to participate fully in the life of the synodal Church.
He encouraged priests, especially those serving in parishes, to reach out to couples in what he described as illegitimate marriages and guide them toward understanding the importance of the sacraments and building strong Christian families.
His Lordship Muhiirwa, also urged priests to strengthen family-based Church movements such as Cana, the Catholic Men’s Association, and the Catholic Women’s Association noting that these groups play a vital role in equipping families with essential values and skills, and in helping men, in particular, to embrace their responsibilities within the family.
According to Bishop Muhiirwa, for the mission to bear fruits, priests must continually open themselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit received at Baptism, Confirmation, and Ordination, especially amid the challenges of pastoral ministry.
Praying for Priests
He also called upon the lay faithful, who share in the common priesthood through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, to actively participate in the Church’s mission by proclaiming the Good News. He encouraged them to pray for their priests, that they may remain faithful to their vows and lead the Church with integrity and dedication.
Joseph Mugenyi, the newly elected MP Burahya County, commended the role of priests in the modern times, calling upon the lay faithful to continuously cooperate with them and pray for them to effectively carry on their sacred ministry