Kaboha
The St. Maria Goretti Girls Secondary School community in Fort Portal has celebrated the feast day of their patron saint, bringing together students, parents, teachers, alumni, religious leaders, and clergy.
The celebrations were held on Monday and began with a Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Robert Muhirwa Akiiki, assisted by the Vicar General, Isaiah Mayombo Adyeeri, Chancellor John Tumuhairwe Abboki, and other priests.
In his homily, Bishop Muhirwa congratulated the school on celebrating the feast of Saint Maria Goretti, describing her as a model of faith, purity, courage, and forgiveness. He recounted how the young saint, at the age of 12, resisted sexual advances from her attacker and remained steadfast in her Christian values, eventually dying after being stabbed multiple times.
Preserving purity
Drawing lessons from her life, the Bishop urged students to remain firm in their faith and guard themselves against modern-day temptations. He cautioned them against the misuse of social media platforms such as TikTok and WhatsApp, pornography, and other influences that could compromise their moral values and academic focus.
He further encouraged the learners to remain disciplined, respect their bodies, and actively participate in Catholic lay apostolate movements, including Jesus Youth, Xaverians, and the Young Christian Students, to strengthen their spiritual lives.
Celebrating School Growth
The Head Teacher, Reverend Sister Judith Kenkimba, said the annual celebration is dedicated to honoring the school’s patron saint while renewing the learners’ commitment to the values she stood for. She noted that the school continues to register remarkable achievements in academics, games and sports, and co-curricular activities, with enrolment now exceeding 900 students.
She attributed the school’s steady growth to the commitment of the teaching staff, parents, and the discipline of the learners, adding that the institution remains focused on producing morally upright and academically excellent young women.
Speaking during the celebrations, Head Prefect Florence Kahunde and the Chairperson of the Board, Mrs. Kabwe Kahubiire, challenged students to emulate the virtues of Saint Maria Goretti by living lives characterized by faith, purity, respect, obedience, and integrity despite the challenges of today’s world.
They encouraged the girls to remain focused on their education, uphold Christian values, and become responsible women capable of making positive contributions to society.