ALICE
Fort Portal Catholic diocese has yesterday commemorated Bishop Vincent Joseph McCauley, the Servant of God who doubles as the pioneer Bishop of Fort Portal diocese.
Bishop McCauley, died of cancer after more than surgeries, on November 1, 1982 All saints day in the catholic church.
While delivering homily to hundreds of congregants at Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal city, Rt.Rev.Dr.Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, ordinary of Fort Portal diocese, appealed to Christians to emulate the virtues of Bishop McCauley servant of God ,to help in strengthening their faith.
Bishop McCauley described
Bishop Muhiirwa described his predecessor Bishop McCauley as a good shepherd who was always concerned for the well being of his people. He added that his love for children, youth, adults, the sick, refugees and the poor was incredibly wonderful and his dedication to transform his people’s community.
Bishop Muhiirwa, further revealed that Bishop McCauley’s much love for better health, made him build Virika hospital to extend better health services to the community. He also constructed St.Leo’s Kyegobe,St.Agustine, St.Mary;s minor seminary which has nurtured most of the priests in Fort Portal diocese, and went an extra mile to contribute a lot in establishing Ggaba national major seminary.
He thus referred to him as a pillar of literacy in the diocese.
Bishop Muhiirwa on Bishop McCauley
Most credited, is the fact that Bishop McCauley did a number of developmental activities despite his ill health by characterized by cancer.
Bishop On cancer
Msgr.Thomas Kisembo, who worked closely with Bishop McCauley, described him as a Kind leader who believed in truth and Unity and transformation for betterment of the Christians he led.
Another Christian who preferred anonymity revealed that the Bishop was generous always cared for all people regardless of status, a reason why people including her preferred being around him. In her view, Bishop McCauley must have inspired many to join the vocation of priesthood.
The commemoration
The Fort Portal diocese publicity Chair for Bishop McCauley cause Adolf Kamara, explained that the memorial days started with Bishop McCauley week which commenced with Novena and included charity walk from Virika to St.Charles Lwanga City parish, a one day health camp , and that the day’s Mass marked the climax.
He commended all the support from different organizations put forward to sustain the publicity work .
Much as the week ended, Mr.Kamara noted that the journey of seeking the late Bishop’s sainthood continues, and thus people can pray through the intercession of the servant of God and keep the testimonies coming in.
Tom Bright, the Kyegegwa district legislator, in his words as a chief guest, requested Christians to work hard and leave a good legacy like for Bishop McCauley.
He appealed to parents to recognize the importance of nurturing their children spiritually by praying with them always so as to prepare them well for the future.
Meanwhile, Bishop McCauley A member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, he was the first Bishop of Fort Portal, having served as the ordinary of the diocese from 1961 to 1972. Later, he served as executive director of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa from 1972 to 1979. A Servant of God, his cause for canonization as a saint was introduced in the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in August 2006.
