ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
1.0 Visit to River Nyamwamba Valley
Bishops visit to the flood Prone Nyamwamba Valley in their Kasese Pilgrimage
As the Catholic Bishops of the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province make their pilgrimage to the Diocese of Kasese, they have included Nyamwamba Valley in Kilembe on their itinerary. This area, frequently afflicted by devastating floods, stands as a testament to the resilience of its faithful and the pressing need for environmental and humanitarian attention.
A Community Tested by Nature
Nestled in the Rwenzori Mountains, Nyamwamba Valley has endured repeated flooding, notably in 2015, 2016, 2017 to date and has severely been impacting on infrastructure, including the Kilembe Mines Hospital. These natural disasters have displaced thousands, leading to the establishment of camps for internally displaced persons. Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira of Kasese has been at the forefront, advocating for government intervention and providing relief to affected communities.
Aligning with Laudato Si’
The Diocese of Kasese has actively embraced Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ encyclical, emphasizing environmental stewardship. These Initiatives include tree planting campaigns and community sensitization on conservation practices. Visiting Nyamwamba Valley, the bishops have not only offered spiritual support but also reinforces the Church’s commitment to ecological preservation.
A Call for Solidarity
Including Nyamwamba Valley in the pilgrimage has served as a powerful gesture of solidarity, acknowledging the community’s struggles and resilience. It also highlights the Church’s role in addressing environmental challenges and advocating for sustainable solutions.
2.0 Visit to Kyalhumba Catholic Parish
Bishops’ Pilgrimage to Kyalhumba: Embracing the Margins of Fait
In a profound demonstration of pastoral commitment and solidarity, the Catholic Bishops of the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province are being called upon to consider every area as a beacon of faith. Kyalhumba Catholic Parish in Kasese District is often considered remote and underserved. The Bishops pilgrimage to the Parish underscores the Church’s mission to reach every corner of its flock, regardless of geographical or infrastructural challenges.
A Beacon in the Mountains
Established in 1986, Kyalhumba Catholic Parish stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the Local community in the Rwenzori Mountains. Despite its remote location and the challenges posed by difficult terrain and limited infrastructure, the parish has been a spiritual haven for its congregants. The presence of the Little Sisters of the Presentation of Our Lady in the Temple further enriches the parish’s spiritual and social outreach.
Strengthening Ecclesiastical Unity
The Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province, comprising the dioceses of Mbarara, Fort Portal, Hoima, Kabale, and Kasese, has of recent had a tradition of annual pilgrimages that fosters unity and shared purpose among the faithful . By choosing Kyalhumba as one of the pilgrimage site, the bishops not only honor the resilience of this remote community but also reinforces the message that every parish, regardless of its location, is integral to the Catholic Church’s mission.
St. Joseph the Worker Men’s Movement – Kyalhumba Parish, Diocese of Kasese
The St. Joseph the Worker Men’s Movement in Kyalhumba Parish is a dynamic Catholic lay movement that brings together men of faith to grow in holiness, responsibility, and service. Named after St. Joseph the Worker, the movement draws inspiration from the humble carpenter of Nazareth protector of the Holy Family, a man of prayer, hard work, and silent strength.
Established as part of the broader spiritual mission of the Diocese of Kasese, the movement aims to empower men to live out their vocation as fathers, husbands, leaders, and laborers with integrity, humility, and commitment to the Gospel.
Core Objectives:
- Spiritual Formation: Members gather for regular prayer, Scripture reflection, retreats, and participation in liturgical celebrations, particularly on May 1st, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
- Moral Leadership: The movement encourages men to be role models in their families, communities, and places of work standing firm in faith and virtue amidst life’s challenges.
- Promoting Hard Work and Self-Reliance: Following St. Joseph’s example, members embrace the dignity of labor and support one another in economic empowerment initiatives such as farming, trades, and small-scale businesses.
- Community Service and Church Support: The movement takes active roles in church construction, maintenance, charity, and mobilizing resources for parish needs and community welfare.
Impact in Kyalhumba Parish:
The St. Joseph the Worker Men’s Movement has become a pillar of spiritual and social strength in the parish. Men have found renewed purpose and identity in their faith, and the parish community has benefited from their unity, discipline, and sense of responsibility. It has also helped bridge generational gaps by mentoring younger men and boys to grow into faith-filled, hardworking, and morally upright individuals.
In a world where masculine identity is often misunderstood or misused, the St. Joseph the Worker Men’s Movement offers a model of Christ-centered manhood. Through prayer, labor, and fraternity, the men of Kyalhumba Parish continue to build both the Church and society, one faithful act at a time.
A Call to Action
The pilgrimage to Kyalhumba is more than a journey; it’s a statement of inclusivity, unity, and unwavering faith. It serves as a reminder that the Church’s mission transcends geographical boundaries, reaching out to every believer, especially those in the most remote areas.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT
- Gallery of the rest of the activities
- Program line up