A total six(6) deacons in Fort Portal Catholic diocese were last week elevated to priesthood, and Three (3) seminarians elevated to the level of deaconate at Katoosa parish.
The ordination ceremony in Katoosa, was the second of its kind this year in the diocese, the first one being the ordination of Fr Sebastiano Friday and Deacons John Mary Byamukama and Innocent Muhumuza at Kamwenge Catholic Parish on July 15.
The newly ordained
The ordained priests are Rev. Fr. Julius Tinkamanyiire from Hapuuyo parish, Rev. Fr. George Byangabu from Iboroga parish, Rev. Fr. Thomas Tuhairwe from Mpara parish, Fr.Julius Alituha from Mabira parish, Fr.Albert Mwanguhya{consolata missionary}from Mabira parish and Tadeo Mwesige from Kagoma parish.
The seminarians ordained into deaconate, include Dn. Bright Kerry Richard from Iboroga parish, Dn. Ojok Isaac [Camillian] Lira diocese and Dn.Okello Isaac [Camillian} from Soroti diocese.
While preaching to hundreds of Christians who had turned up for the ordination ceremony held at Katoosa parish Katoosa denary in Kyenjojo district, the Bishop of Fort Portal catholic Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa thanked God for the gift of those ordained priests and deacons.
He was thankful to the Lord for priests and deacons who responded the Lord’s call with the guidance of the holy spirit.
Muhiirwa, noted that the newly ordained, committed themselves to live a single life for four reasons, including emulating the Lord Jesus who did not marry, sacrificing themselves for God’s Kingdom among others.
Bishop Muhiirwa on Priesthood
He appealed to the parents to desist from discouraging their children from responding to God’s call, in instances when they come to them expressing the desire of joining priesthood or religious life.
The Bishop also tasked the youth to positively respond to God’s call amidst all the temptations around them like attraction to material things, homosexuality and lesbianism among others.
He advised them to rather stand for what they believe, following the examples of the Uganda martyrs like St. Kiizito, and St Gyavira who were being seduced by Kabaka Mwanga, but preferred dying for purity rather than sinning.
Bishop Muhiirwa on responding to God’s call
He also asked them to join the priests of consolata missionary and deacons under Camillian missionary to spread the word of God.
Rev. Fr. Venansio Busobozi the host parish priest, congratulated the newly ordained upon the respective elevations.
He was thankful to everyone for the collective efforts that contributed to the remarkable event at Katoosa
