Clare
The zones of Yerya, Virika, and Bugombwa under the Virika Deanery Fort Portal Diocese have gathered at Bukwali Parish to celebrate 50 years of Small Christian Communities during a Holy Eucharistic Sacrifice led by Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki.
The celebration was inspired by a decision made by AMECEA Bishops in 1973 to empower small Christian Communities in their mission of evangelizing the Word of God.
Families grappling with divisionism
In his homily, Bishop Muhiirwa emphasized the importance of unity within families and communities, referencing the first reading where individuals shared their resources with genuine love and faith.
He addressed the issue of prevalent hate in many homes, attributing it to jealousy and a lack of forgiveness. He urged Christians to utilize their small Christian families for deep prayer and to focus on building unity, especially during Novenas, rather than spreading rumors that fuel division.
Using the parable of the vine from the Gospel, he encouraged the congregation to avoid laziness in prayer. He stressed the need to identify personal weaknesses in prayer that hinder God’s work and to cultivate a friendship with Christ, who desires closeness with them.
Homily By Rt.Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki at the Mass to celebrate 50 years of SCC in Virika Deanery
He also reminded the attendees that this year has been designated by Pope Francis as a year of prayer, encouraging intensive prayer through the intercession of their patron saints within their Small Christian Communities, guided by the book “Manya Omuhikirire waawe Nebyafaayo Bye” by Fr. Christopher Mukidi, available at Jubilee Radio.
The golden jubilee celebrations, concluded with a lively entertainment competition under theme “Get Your Candle Go light the whole world“, among the three zones, representing the seven parishes of Bukwali, Yerya, Kyamatanga, Bugombwa, Nyahuka, Virika, and Kanyamukale.
Each zone showcased original compositions, poems, dramas, and traditional dances, with Yerya zone taking first place, followed by Bugombwa and then Virika.
Cathy Asiimwe, a Christian from Bugombwa Sub-deanery, hailed the Dean Virika for organizing such celebrations, highlighting that they not only entertain but educate Christians on living in prayerful and united families. She appreciated the chance of coming together as different cultures and showcasing their traditional dances.
Rev.Fr Francis Bamanyisa, the Dean Virika doubling as parish priest Yerya, hailed the Bishop for continuously encouraging small Christian Communities in the Diocese, the Parish priest for generously supporting their Christians and the time invested by Christians to make the golden jubilee celebrations at Deanery level successful.
