Clare
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, has urged religious men and women to focus on the responsibility of bringing hope to the people they serve.
The bishop made this call yesterday, during the celebration of the International Prayer Day for the Consecrated, Doubling as the Feast day of the Presentation at Kitumbi Parish, that drew over a hundred religious men and women from various congregations within the Diocese.
His Lordship Muhiirwa, emphasized the importance of religious individuals continuing to be a light to those trapped in sin, sickness, and poverty, especially during this Jubilee year. He reminded them of the candle they received at baptism and called them to continue Christ’s work as the Light of the World.
He also encouraged them to prioritize the purity of their souls, acknowledging human weakness but emphasizing that the Lord desires their hearts to be purified through the Sacrament of Penance. This, he said, is essential for fulfilling their responsibilities in accordance with the vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity.
Praying for Vocations
Reflecting on the phrase “The harvest is rich, but the laborers are few,” the bishop urged the religious to help expand both religious and family vocations by praying for more vocations and visiting communities to inspire younger generations to join the ministry.
He also encouraged parents to support their children in attending schools with a religious foundation and fostering environments that nurture faith.
Bringing hope to the hopeless
At the same event, Rev. Brother Eugene Bwambale Africana, Coordinator of the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU), Fort Portal chapter, praised the religious for dedicating themselves to God through their vows. He urged them to remain beacons of hope in faith and evangelization, particularly in these challenging times. He also thanked the bishop for his ongoing support and warm reception of congregations seeking refuge in the diocese.
Publicizing Charisms
Rev. Fr. John Mary Vianney Makanda, the Vicar for Clergy and Religious in Fort Portal Diocese, expressed gratitude to Kitumbi Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Jude Kasaija, and the other leaders for hosting the event, and the Bishop for gracing it.
He urged the various religious congregations to consistently promote their charisms and communicate their significance to the younger generation, who will follow in their footsteps in the future.
Fr Makanda, also announced that Mabira Parish in the Katoosa Deanery would host the next celebration, explaining that rotating the celebration helps inspire younger generations to embrace religious life.
Meanwhile, The religious who attended the event represented several congregations within the Diocese, including the Banyatereza Sisters, Camillian Fathers and Brothers, Brothers of St. Joseph the Worker, Dominican Sisters, Holy Cross Sisters, Our Lady of Good Counsel sisters, Servants of Mary, Camillites of Mary Immaculate, Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church, Divine Master Brothers, Evangelizing Sisters, Holy Cross Brothers and Fathers, Little Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Nyeri, Capuchin Brothers and Sisters, and Sisters of Mary Reparatrix.
Different Congregations & their Charisms
Each congregation shared their respective charisms and of these, the Brothers of St. Joseph the Worker focus on evangelizing the Word of God and assisting priests in various ministries.
The Camillians are dedicated to caring for the sick, while the Little Sisters focus on evangelization. The Servants of Mary emphasize humble service, such as teaching and nursing, and the Franciscans are committed to serving the poor. The Banyatereza Sisters focus on evangelization and supporting priests in ministry, while the Holy Cross Sisters and Brothers work to respond to the needs of the time.
Fr. Jude Kasaija, the parish priest of Kitumbi, encouraged the religious to regularly reach out to schools, communities, and gatherings to raise awareness of their congregations, inspiring more people to join their missions.
Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki praised the religious for their significant contributions to the Diocese, particularly in areas such as education and healthcare and other works.He urged them to continue sharing the hope of the Gospel by spreading the Word of God to the people.
He also called for unity among the religious communities to foster both spiritual and physical development in society.
On the same day, Bishop Muhiirwa blessed the new classroom buildings at Kitumbi Primary School and encouraged male parents to actively support their families and children’s education as students return to school.
