Clare
Three Camillian friars have today been ordained into Diaconate at Our Lady Queen of Peace Kinyamasika Chapel by the Rt Rev.Dr. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki.
The newly ordained Deacons are Rev. Dn. Charles Matovu Javila from Masaka Diocese, Rev. Dn.Tigo Mathias Mulumba from Masaka Diocese, and Rev.Dn Francis Akewa from Jinja Diocese.
In his homily during the Ordination Mass at St. Paul’s National Major Seminary Kinyamasika in Fort Portal City, Bishop Muhiirwa urged them to reflect on “Hunger and thirst for Holiness” and beware of persecutors and opposers throughout their ministry, but be prepared to courageously face all with courage and guidance of the holy Spirit, work towards the heavenly gift just like Christ.
The Bishop, encouraged the Deacons to reflect on their three vows: Celibacy, Obedience, and service to the sick, as outlined in the Camillian charism. He emphasized that Celibacy calls them to emulate Christ, serving God with a pure and undivided heart while embracing their responsibilities with gratitude.
Caring for the sick
Bishop Muhiirwa also urged the Deacons to care for the sick, even in challenging circumstances, and to maintain a commitment to prayer for themselves and the world.
He called them lucky to have ordination in this year of prayer, as declared by Pope Francis, and encouraged them to pray for peace and hope, taking advantage of the current prayers and often engaging in Eucharistic adoration outside Mass.
Speaking on behalf of the newly ordained, Rev. Deacon Tigo Mathias expressed gratitude to Bishop Muhiirwa, for elevating them into the holy order, their superiors, parents and well wishers for their support, both spiritual and financial not forgetting their formators for nurturing them into the Ministers of God they have become.
He affirmed their readiness to serve the people of God selflessly and to persevere through challenges, asking the congregation to pray for them on their journey.
Parents Entrust their Sons to Mother Mary
On behalf of parents to the newly ordained, Mr. and Mrs. John Baptist Semwogerere, parents of Deacon Mathias Mulumba, commended the Bishop for ordaining their sons and expressed gratitude to the Camillian clergy for their collaborative efforts. They thanked the St. Paul’s community for nurturing their sons into ministers of God and advised the Deacons to follow the guidance of the clergy, entrusting them to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Rev. Fr. Bernard Tusabe, Superior of the Camillians in Uganda, expressed his gratitude for the newly ordained, highlighting the significance of this achievement as the congregation celebrates 25 years. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their calling.
Rev.Fr Vincent Muhindo, The Rector St Paul’s major Seminary Kinyamasika, noted that today’s Ordination at their seminary was the 2nd of its kind, and it inspired the Seminarian population to stay faithful to their calling and work towards Ordination.
He commended Bishop Muhiirwa for accepting to have the Ordination at the seminary, urging him to normalize conducting more ordinations at the seminary.
The Camillian congregation, which has not spent long in Fort Portal Diocese, is currently stationed in Kitumba Fort Portal City, with priority on health, on top of preaching the word of God.
