Clare:
A total of 39 Catechists from the four deaneries of the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese were commissioned at St.Adolf Catechetical Center in Kaihura, Kyenjojo District.
The Catechists, consisting of 26 males and 13 females, graduated after a year of comprehensive training in various Church disciplines and these were hailing from the nineteen parishes of Kanyamukale, Bugombwa, Kitumbi, Kitagwenda, Butiiti, Bugombwa, Kakabara, Kyarusozi, Mpara, Katoosa, Mabira, Kamwenge, Iboroga, Kazingo, Kitumbi, Kanyabacope, Kagoma, Kicwamba, and Wekomiire.
During the commissioning Mass, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, urged the Catechists to reflect on the first reading, where Jesus sent His disciples without provisions, knowing they would face hardships while spreading the Gospel but encouraged them to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves,” reminding the Catechists that, like the disciples, they too will encounter opposition and challenges in their mission. He advised them to offer everything to God, who called them from among many, and to serve with humility, hope, and unity, always remaining faithful to Catholic doctrine in order to achieve success.
The Bishop also encouraged the Catechists to engage with diverse groups like the youth, the elderly, and children drawing them closer to God and standing firm in the truth of Christ, cautioning them against prioritizing earthly wealth over the Kingdom of God.
His Lordship Muhiirwa,urged them to give special care to the sick, the elderly, and the needy, providing them with hope. He also encouraged them to seek the intercession of the Uganda Martyr, Andrea Kawha, who is a patron of Catechists.
Newly commissioned Catechist Pultazio Tumuhimbise, in his words of appreciation, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for commissioning them to serve God’s people, as well as to their teachers for guiding them throughout the year of training. He also thanked their parish priests for selecting them from among many candidates and urged the congregation to continue praying for them and to collaborate with them in their ministry.
Rev. Fr. Fulgence Mugisa Kaboha, Director of St. Adolf Catechetical Center, acknowledged the efforts of all those involved in the Catechists’ journey, especially the Bishop for commissioning them and the families who supported their year-long training for God’s service.
Rev. Fr. James Isabakaki, the new Chairperson of the Board at St. Adolf Catechetical Center, congratulated the newly commissioned Catechists on their timely graduation, noting the challenges the world currently faces.
He highlighted that their training would greatly benefit those in need of their skills. He also emphasized the urgent need for financial support to upgrade the infrastructure at St. Adolf, ensuring that it meets the modern standards requiredfor Catechist training.
