The sixty four (64) year old district of Holy Cross district of East Africa has taken a step forward to attaining a status of Holy Cross Province of East Africa
This was affirmed in a colorful inauguration Mass ceremony yesterday at Virika Cathedral, presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr Robert Muhiirwa, the ordinary of Fort Portal Diocese.
Two Archbishops grace the function
The same inauguration, was graced by two Archbishops namely His grace Emeritus Josaphat Louis Lebulu of Arusha Tanzania and His grace Philip Subira Anyolo of Nairobi ecclesiastical province in Kenya.
Present too, was the Provincial delegate of Holy Cross US province also the mother province, the Superior general Holy Cross brothers Brother Paul, international guests from US, Kenya and Tanzania, Minister Kasule Lumumba, Hon Alex Ruhunda, Chairperson Richard Rwabuhinga among others.
In his homily to the congregants, Bishop Muhiirwa asked believers to often find time for adoration, find a journey to God and lead others to him.
He also warned the congregants to watch out for Herodes who are enemies of progress.
“We must watch out for King Herodes in our daily lives, the kind of people who support wrong things in our homes and work places, following the example of King Herode in the bible who wanted baby Jesus killed”.
The ordinary, gave an existing example of how holy cross has maneuvered since day one in Fort Portal with faith, but has surprisingly grown and achieved a lot for the church and community over time.
Bishop Muhiirwa, promised support for the new province, whose roots originate from Fort Portal Diocese.
Bishop Muhiirwa on Province
New Provincial to consider extending holy cross in new areas
Fr. Dr. Cyprian Binaka, the pioneer Superior of holy cross province of East Africa, lauded Bishop Muhiirwa for allowing to host the inauguration in the diocese where the province has its roots.
He also credited the mother province of US and Moreau province of brothers and sisters, for nurturing and journeying with them to the final grant of their own diocese.
The new provincial, promised to lead and serve diligently the people of God entrusted to him in the E. A Holy Cross entrusted to him.
“The gift of province status is a responsibility to continue building on the foundation which has been made. The roots of Holy Cross, will continue to grow deeper and we look forward to sharing our Charism and spirituality in the new areas where we will hear the Lord calling us to go” Noted Fr.Dr. Binaka
The Provincial (head) of the congregation of holy cross Us province that had given birth to EA province, appreciated the autonomy acquired by the East Africans, and assured them divine providence would guide them in both glorious and challenging days ahead.
“Our bond as brothers to make God known & loved in our congregation will remain our Unifying factor.” Noted He noted.
Holy Cross hailed for promoting East African Integration
Holy Cross has reportedly Challenged the rest of East African communities on issues of integration, observed Hon. Kasule Lumumba, Minister for general duties.
In her words yesterday as a guest of honor delegated by the Rt.Hon Robina Nabbanja, Minister Kasule Lumumba was impressed by the milestone and collective efforts exhibited at the ceremony including the independence of East Africans as a province.
She further revealed her feedback to the previous requests by the members of the same diocese hailing from Kicuucu last two months, including return of coffee seedlings, water and electricity plus a double cabin.
Lumumba’s feedback indicated the approval of all requests from President Museveni and that Hon. Butime the area Mp, would oversee the delivery of the approved requests.
Holy Cross to build a Memorial hall
The Holy Cross family also revealed their intention to build a memorial hall which will be used for prayers, conferences and other related functions.
Bishop Muhiirwa, the host Bishop gave a brick of 5million Cash to help the new province in their construction activities.
Rt. Hon. Robina Nabbanja, who could not avail herself due to other national duties, sent a contribution of 5million Shillings to the new Province.
She in her written message read by Hon.Minister Kasule, lauded Holy Cross for fostering development in Africa, particularly Uganda through supporting education, fighting HIV, offering tangible assistance to locals among others.
She hopes they extend their good will to other parts like Rwanda, Burundi, and other Countries.
Meaning of a Province
The newly established province will be covering Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania but hopes to extend to other areas of East Africa with time.
According to Fr.Fred Jenga, the president holy cross family ministries, the province comes with a lot of responsibility and autonomy.
” We now be able to make decisions pertaining us as East Africans on our own, and we shall be able to engage in the global Holy cross dialogue at a wider view.” said Fr. Jenga
Regarding Financial status, Fr. Jenga revealed that much as they will be triggered to think outside the box for the sustainability of the province, the connections with their mother province will stay advising on necessary areas.
Fr.Jenga on Finances
Fr. Jenga further said that the nuder of clerics, and religious increased in the area, which gave a go forward for the mother province to grant them a status of their own province.
