Clare
The four-day meeting of the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Bishops in Hoima, which commenced on Wednesday, April 10th, has finally come to its climax yesterday April 14, 2024 with a vibrant Holy Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Bujumbura presided over by the Archbishop of Mbarara, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha.
The Archbishop was in company of the other four Bishops of the province, including Francis Aquirinus Kibira of Kasese, Callistus Rubaramira of Kabale, Robert Muhiirwa of Fort Portal and the host Vincent Kirabo of Hoima.
While preaching to hundreds of congregants at Bujumbura Cathedral, Archbishop Bainomugisha was particular that the main aim of this pastoral visit is not to assert their power as Proper Ordinaries of the province, but to journey with their flock, quoting St.Thomas Aquinas who refers to the appeal to authority as a weakest argument.
Bainomugisha, who reminded the congregation that the authority of the shepherds is not just to solve social problems, but to journey with their flock in their joys, fears and frustrations, asked them to invite Jesus in their lives when it gets dark because where Jesus is, light is eternal and there’s no darkness in him.”
Other Bishops Speak Out
Speaking at the same Mass, Bishop Callistus Rubaramira of Kabale Diocese, re-echoed the need for Christians to keep their dignity received at baptism, that cannot be taken away. He challenged the faithful to continue to walking in the light of faith and pass it on to their children.
On his part, Bishop Kibira of Kasese emphasized the importance of prayer life and mutual love right in families in order to keep the Christian stronger.
Bishop Robert K.Muhiirwa Akiiki, expressed concern over the increasing rate of absentee fathers in homes, asking them to be good models in family life and embrace responsibilities, emulating St. Joseph, the humble husband who passionately carried on his fatherly responsibilities in the holy family.
Speaking as the vice chairman Uganda Catholic Television Board, His Lordship Muhiirwa informed the faithful about Uganda Catholic Television being available on ZUKU pay TV and within a 60 km radius around Kampala for free, appealing for more support and prayers for its success on DSTV.
Govt to work with church on Environment & Family matters
The Government representative Hon. Grace Mary Mrs. Mugasa, welcomed the initiative of these rotational pastoral visits of the bishops of Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province, thanking the Catholic Church for their contribution in health, education, and social services.
Mugasa, who urged bishops to work with the government on family and environmental issues took the opportunity to inform the congregation that a decision has been reached to locate Bunyoro public university at part of Bulera Core PTC’s land.
The Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom (BKK) Prime Minister, Andrew Byakutaga, welcomed the bishops to Bunyoro nd invited them in advance to the to the 30 years of coronation anniversary of Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I due on June 11, 2024.
In attendance was the former Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, Nathan Kyamanywa, Okwiri of BKK, Mugenyi Rucunya, Hon. Members of Parliament Kazini Francis Buhaguzi East, Dr. Joseph Ruyonga Hoima West, Hon. Flora Natumanya WMP Kikuube district and Harriet Mugenyi Businge WMP, Hoima District, the Lord Mayor Brian Kaboyo and his Deputy Sylvia Nalumaga, Two representatives from each Parish community among others.
