Clare
The proposed Uganda Martyr’s Catholic Parish Rugombe, currently known as St. William’s Mihondo Zone, has begun its gradual transition, marked by joyous celebrations as the community welcomed their pioneer priests.
With less than a month to the official parish opening, Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier Musiime and Rev. Fr. John Mary Byamukama were yesterday warmly received in a vibrant procession from Rugombe town to the parish premises.
During the welcoming Mass, Rev. Fr. Bernard Bitekerezo, Parish Priest of Butiiti, where the new parish will be curved, encouraged the parishioners to renew their commitment to Christ and uphold the standards of a new parish.
He emphasized that a parish is designed to foster development, bring joy, and provide spiritual services to the community, urging the faithful to embrace the Sacraments of Eucharist, penance, and Holy Matrimony, and to move away from past behaviors such as witchcraft, jealousy, and drunkenness,but instead allow the Holy Spirit to guide them.
Rev. Fr. Bitekerezo also called for unity with the new priests if they are to sustain Parish standards, encouraging the community to prioritize love and preparation for eternal life, as is the tradition at Butiiti.
Miss Imelda Komuhimbo, Chairperson of C.O.L Mihondo Zone, praised the Christians for their warm welcome and pledged to work together with the new priests to drive development. She also urged the priests to provide guidance on various matters, as their arrival coincides with a time of significant need in the community.
In his maiden remarks, Rev. Fr. John Mary Byamukama expressed gratitude for the warm reception, describing it as a sign of the parish’s readiness. He called for cooperation and continued love among the parishioners.
Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier Musiime Macura, the pioneer Parish Priest, thanked Fr. Bitekerezo for his support and hospitality at Butiiti Parish, which has provided valuable lessons. He encouraged the community to work diligently with their new priests and aim to set a model for small Christian communities at the diocesan level.
In his final remarks as the main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Bernard Bitekerezo praised Bishop Robert Muhiirwa for recognizing the elevation of Mihondo Zone to parish status, which he said represents both development and spiritual preparation.
He urged the community to support their priests financially, attend morning Mass regularly, and contribute towards the 138 million required for the official parish opening scheduled for October 13 this year.
