In a joyous ceremony, six Franciscan Friars were elevated to the order of Deaconate by His Lordship Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese. The Holy Mass took place at Mary Queen of Peace Chapel, Kinyamasika in Fort Portal City.
The newly ordained deacons are:
- Dn.Br.Robert Bwambale from Kasese Diocese
- Dn.Br.John Martin Opio from Tororo Archdiocese
- Dn.Br.Jubilee Madira from Nebbi Diocese
- Dn.Br.Emmanuel Odongo from Tororo Archdiocese
- Dn.Br Simon Muyunga from Kampala Archdiocese
- Dn.Br.Charles Anthony Masereka from Kasese Diocese
Bishop’s Message
Bishop Muhiirwa urged the newly ordained deacons to serve God with undivided minds, respect one another, deepen their prayer lives, and serve God without any excuses.He emphasized the importance of being seeds of hope in a world corrupted by strange behaviors targeting to destroy the church like Homosexuality.
“I urge you to reflect on celibacy as a gift to serve God with undivided minds. You are lucky you are being ordained in the year of prayer and hope in anticipation of the 2025 Jubilee Year as announced by Pope Francis. You are requested to pray endlessly for hope in the world experiencing wars, epidemics and pandemics among others.”Noted Bishop Muhiirwa.
Parents’ and Formators’ Congratulations
The parents congratulated their children for answering God’s call and thanked the formators and superiors for their guidance and support throughout the journey, emphasizing the fact that it’s not such an easy job to nature these men of God.
They encouraged the deacons to be beacons of hope in the world.
Deacons’ Promises
Speaking on behalf of the newly ordained, Rev.Dn.John Martin Opio expressed gratitude to God for their gift of their vocation, the Rector, staff, and formators at St.Paul’s National Major Seminary Kinyamasika for their support and love.
“As Capuchins, we found a home away from home here in Kinyamasika. These people have given us the support that we have desired in our Vocation” He said.
The deacons promised to preach the word of God and maintain discipline in their communities as required.
Rev.Fr. John Fortunate Baluku, the Superior Franciscan Capuchins Court of Uganda, appreciated the collaborative efforts between the Diocese of Fort Portal, Kinyamasika Seminary, and their community. He urged the newly ordained deacons to uphold the values gained from the seminary and emulate the humility of their patron saint, Francis.
