It was a moment of great joy as thousands of Catholics and non from across Fort Portal Diocese and beyond gathered at Our Lady of the Snows Virika Cathedral yesterday for its inauguration ceremony.
The event, marked by solemn prayers, a vibrant procession, and a dedication Mass, was led by His Excellency Luigi Bianco, the Papal Nuncio to Uganda, and at exactly 10:00 AM, the event had started, bringing together the faithful, clergy, and dignitaries to witness the blessing and renewal of the historic cathedral, which serves as a cherished landmark in Fort Portal Diocese.
Bishops Robert Muhiirwa and Callisto Rubaramira match in the procession to Mass of Virika Cathedral Inauguration
Present at the function, were Bishop Callisto Rubaramira of Kabale Diocese, Bishop Emeritus Egidio Nkaijanabwo of Kasese Diocese, Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki of Arua Diocese and several Vicar generals, whereas Bishops Reuben Kisembo of Ruwenzori Diocese and Barnabas Tibaijuka of West Ruwenzori, represented the Anglican community.
Cathedral’s Special Nature
The Papal Nuncio to Uganda, His Excellency Luigi Bianco, urged the faithful in the Fort Portal Diocese to make the most of the newly restored Our Lady of the Snows Virika Cathedral for prayers, and faith, likening this restoration to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, which was dedicated to the glory of God.
While delivering his homily yesterday at the Cathedral in Fort Portal City, Archbishop Luigi, who also served as the main celebrant, highlighted the timely inauguration of the cathedral, noting that its Holy Door had been reopened during this Jubilee year in which other Holy doors of Basilicas were opened, as declared by the Pope under the theme Pilgrims of Hope.
Faithful attend Holy Mass at the Inauguration of the Restored Virika Cathedral
The Archbishop explained that this event marks a time of joy and brings a sense of home, after a period of worship outside the cathedral. In this context, the Papal Nuncio emphasized the cathedral’s important role as not only where the Bishop makes key decisions for the Diocese but also serves as the uniquely blessed “mother church” to the churches in the entire Diocese.
Center: His Excellency Luigi Bianco, Papal Nuncio to Uganda Presides over Holy Mass at the Virika Cathedral on March 2, 2025
He praised all those who contributed to the restoration of the beautiful cathedral, especially Bishop Muhiirwa for the innovation, urging the faithful to protect God’s temple, where His presence dwells, and to continue praying without ceasing in order to obtain indulgence after the challenges, pain, and efforts that led to the project’s success.
Call to Support other projects
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, expressed his gratitude to the Nuncio for attending the event and thanked the people of God for their generosity in restoring the Cathedral.
He echoed the Nuncio’s emphasis on the cathedral’s special role, where the Bishop makes important decisions for the Diocese, and encouraged the faithful to respect and utilize it, while supporting other ongoing projects such as the Virika Presbytery and the wall, which currently do not meet the standards of the cathedral.
VIDEO: Holy Mass to Inaugurate Our Lady of the Snows Virika Cathedral
Request for Basilica
Msgr. Isaiah Mayombo Adyeri, Chairperson of the organizing committee for the Cathedral Renovation and Inauguration, extended gratitude to all parishioners whose contributions made up 30% of the 3.6 billion shillings used for the entire renovation project. He also commended political leaders, organizations, and the President of Uganda for their support.
Msgr. Mayombo requested that Nuncio Luigi Bianco petition to elevate Virika Cathedral to the status of a Minor Basilica.
In a written message, the Chief guest, President Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Museveni, represented by Her Excellency Jessica Alupo the Vice president, congratulated the Diocese of Fort Portal for continuing the legacy of Bishop MacCauley. He praised the spiritual work of the church in molding believers into valuable citizens of the country and spiritual-based hard work, evidenced by the visible work.
The President also contributed 30 million shillings to support the ongoing work on the cathedral.
