Clare
Yesterday joy-filled Christians as, three catechists—Ategeka Udita, Gansanga Deogratias, and Victori Mwirumubi—were officially commissioned to serve in the ministry of the Holy Eucharist at Hapuuyo Parish. The ceremony took place during Holy Mass led by the Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, the local ordinary of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Muhiirwa emphasized the importance of humility among believers, encouraging them to emulate Jesus Christ, who accepted the cross and forgave Peter despite his denial. Reflecting from the day’s gospel, the Bishop used the analogy of a child from the Scriptures to illustrate how catechists should serve with peace, obedience, humility, and forgiveness, highlighting children’s innocence and trust.
‘Humility should be key in your service. Take the example of a child who holds no grudge, says the truth and trusts their parents in all situations. It’s unfortunate that we spend most of our lives focusing on anger, hatred among others” He said
The Bishop, urged the congregation to reflect on their own lives, calling for a departure from laziness and attachment to worldly concerns, and instead embrace a life guided by divine wisdom.
More prayers needed for Vocations
Fort Portal’s local ordinary reechoed his recent call for the need to pray for vocations, lamenting the scarcity of laborers in God’s harvest. He encouraged the faithful to remain vigilant in their prayers for both religious and family vocations, noting that family life plays a crucial role in fostering religious callings.
To support this, he called for the formation of Christian families through active participation in church movements like the Catholic Men’s Association, Catholic Women’s Association, and Cana whose teachings relate directly on good families that produce candidates for religious vocations.
Engaging in the year of Prayer
Bishop Muhiirwa highlighted the importance of prayer in this year of prayer as designated by Pope Francis, urging the faithful to engage in practices like Adoration and attentive participation in Mass.
Mr. James Munyagwa, Chairperson of the Council of Laity, sought the Bishop’s guidance on the issue of polygamy in the parish expressing gratitude for the Bishop’s timely counsel via his rich homily. He commended Parish Priest Fr. Ndayambaje for being man of vision and accountability.
John Kisoke, Chairperson of LCV Kyaka North, acknowledged the challenges posed by the area’s difficult topography but praised Fr. Ndayambaje for his environmental initiatives, particularly in tree planting and encouraging parishioners to follow suit.
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Silvino Ndayambaje, the parish priest Hapuuyo, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for commissioning the new catechists, recognizing the spiritual growth this brings to the parish. He asked the Catechists to be exemplary in their families, and fellow Christians.
He also assured the Bishop that he would deliver the additional funds requested for Virika Cathedral shortly, thanking the parishioners for their dedicated support.
