Christians in Fort Portal have yesterday turned up in large numbers at Virika Cathedral Fort Portal diocese, to observe holy Mass which also marked the climax of the Mbarara Ecclesiastical province Episcopal Visit to the same Diocese.
The Episcopal Visit to Fort Portal
The Four [4]days visit, ended yesterday April 23, 2023, with holy Mass led by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha, flanked by Bishops Robert Muhiirwa, Vincent Kirabo, Joseph Mugenyi and Callistus Rubaramira.
Bishop Aquirinus Francis Kibira ordinary of Kasese, could not reportedly make it to the visit due to other urgent responsibilities in Gulu, and the Emeritus Bishops including Paul Bakyenga, and Eigidio Nkaijanabwo were exempted from the visit due their physical unwellness
Bainomugisha advises on descent catholicism
In his homily to congregants at Virika , His Grace Bainomugisha stressed the oneness of Banyankore, Batooro, Bakiga, Banyoro and Bamba who hail from the same province.
“Forget about the language differences in this province and Focus on the fact that we are one in God.”Remarked the Archbishop.
He further asked Christians to portray a descent picture of Catholism in their respective families by realizing their role of grooming young Christians for the next generation.
Echoing the words of Rt.Rev Vincent Kirabo ordinary of Hoima who had previously led Mass in the selected Parish Kyarusozi, His Grace stressed the need to realize responsibilities by different individuals in Christian families.
“Irresponsibility can make a head of the family introduce himself to his own children which is very unfortunate” Said Bainomugisha
Other Ordinaries
Bishop Kirabo of Hoima diocesese later in his speech, lauded ordinaries for the spirit of team work, but asked Christians to borrow a leaf and practice it at their workplaces homes and other communities.
“Each time we come together we learn something new from each other and equally from you. Borrow this spirit of team work and practice it wherever you shall go” noted Bishop Kirabo.
He thanked the people of Fort Portal diocese for being welcoming wherever they reached.
Light your Children’s Candles – Rubaramira
Kabale’s ordinary, Bishop Rubaramira, attributed the role of directing children in religion to parents, who he asked to light candles for their children and pave way for their rightful living.
“I urge you parents to light candles for your dear Children and guide them on how to keep them burning in this world” He noted.
Bishops to further Meet on Katoosa day
Rubaramira further said that same fraternity of Bishops will be coming together to Katoosa every January 27, to commemorate St.Adolf Tibeyalirwa Ludigo, the only Martyr from the province.
Bishop Muhiirwa, the host Bishop, lauded the visiting Clerics for the fruitful annual visit, which he said was initiated four years back.
He echoed Archbishop’s advise to parents on nurturing good families, imploring Christians to join church movements like Catholic Women Association, (CWA) and Catholic Men Association (CMA) which will help to groom their ability to come up with the desirable families.
In their Visit, the Four clerics visited distinguished places including Kinyamasika old sister’s home, Nkuruba resort, priests retirement home in Katumba, Kyarusozi model Parish among others.
According to Bishop Muhiirwa Bishop Aquirinus Francis Kibira, Kasese’s ordinary, failed to make it due to other Urgent responsibilities entitled to him.
Other leaders grace the function
Other guests present for the function, included Hon Alex Ruhunda, Hon Linda Irene Mugisa Hon Nulu Byamukama Kitagwenda, Hon.Sylvia Baheraire Kamwenge, Hon Tom Bright, Hon Minister Victoria Businge Rusoke, Hon Flavia Rwabuhoro, and Hon.Minuster Tom Butime among others.
