The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Mbarara, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of Mbarara, presided over the ordination ceremony of 11 priests and 13 deacons at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral in Nyamitanga on Saturday. Among the newly ordained priests are Rev Fr Richard Kakuru, Abel Atwiine, Emmanuel Byakwiza, Ernest Sunday, Gordon Muhebwa, Clecent Mandera, Vianey Turyamwijunwaki, Henry Kamugisha, Bruno Tumwesigye.
The deacons are Alex Baguma, Gilbert Bikorwaruhanga, Lawrence Turyamureeba, David Tibingana, Moses Atugumya, Trust Ambrose, Nichlus Mubangizi, Aventino Arinaitwe, Ronald Atwijukire, David Bakashaba, Max Mubangizi, Innocent Nuwagaba, and Emmanuel Mucunguzi. These newly ordained clergy members have been appointed to various parishes within the Archdiocese of Mbarara.
During the homily, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha emphasized the sacred duty bestowed upon the ordained individuals and encouraged them to carry forward the teachings they have learned with unwavering dedication.
He noted how their teachings provide spiritual nourishment to Christians, emphasizing the profound impact of their teachings and actions as guiding lights for the faithful. The Archbishop reminded the ordained that their mission goes beyond themselves; it is for the betterment of the Christians they will serve and guide. Gerevase Ndyanabo, the head of the Uganda Catholic Laity Conference, commended the parents for nurturing their children into the priesthood.
He acknowledged the sacrifices and love that paved the way for this momentous occasion and urged communities where the newly ordained clergy would serve to welcome and treat them with the respect they deserve. Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa encouraged the ordained priests and deacons to become catalysts for change. He encouraged them to share information about government programs, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM), with their congregations.
He noted that their influence extends beyond the spiritual realm, encompassing practical aspects of community development. One of the parents of the ordained priests, Steven Turyajunwaki, congratulated both the newly ordained clergy and the Archbishop. He recognized the significance of the journey they had undertaken and the impact it would have on their lives and the lives of those they served.
Rev Fr Emmanuel Byakweija expressed gratitude to the parents for their nurturing role, which forms the foundation upon which the newly ordained will build their ministry. He conveyed that the clergy and the faithful have a symbiotic relationship, and he requested prayers from the congregation as they, in turn, pray for them. “Pray for us as we shall pray for you,” he said.
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