By: Felex Sengiyunva & Sr. Sarah Muhindo
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kasese, in Mbarara Ecclesiastical province the Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale ordained three deacons as priests and five seminarians as Deacons on the 29th June 2024 at St. John’s The Evangelist Minor Seminary Kiburara in Kasese District.
Presiding over the ordination Mass, Bishop Kibira began his Homily with a call on Ordinands and All ordained Priests to minimize tendencies of pride for being in the Priestly ministry, uttering it as a devil’s work.
The Bishop added on saying priests don’t have to explain their status to everyone. People should be able to recognize you by your deeds not by saying who you are, Said the Bishop.“I myself didn’t know I will be the Bishop of the Diocese of Kasese, likewise, did you know you will be priests ”quoted the Bishop” Priests were called upon not to use the priesthood gift for pride for it is a special gift from God and is not for everyone.
The Prelate also called on parents to prioritize good parenting for the sustainability of the church as also a way to have responsible citizens, servants and ministers of the church.
The newly ordained priests included Rev. Fr. Fredrick Masereka from Kasanga Parish, Rev. Fr. Moris Thembo from Kasese Parish and Rev. Fr. Ednus Mumbere from Kakone Parish.
Deacons who were ordained were Rev. Dn. William Kule, Rev. Dn. Phillip Mikanyu, Rev. Dn. Landaus Baluku all from Nsenyi Parish and Rev. Dn. Robert Kule, Bukangara Parish and Hillary Katsetsere from Kasanga Parish, and all parishes in the Diocese of Kasese.
Furthermore, the Ordinary called for need of having educated leaders in the church, which he said can be achieved through investing in children’s education, in reference also advising the newly ordained priests and deacons to be obedient to everyone since it’s their effort for the far they have gone with education and then, take good care of the vocation through offering sacrifices as well as listening to advices from their fellow clergy, parents and the public.
The man of God warned parents against practices of domestic Violence and other related bad behaviors which have hindered the economic development and Education in Kasese District.
The diocese of Kasese is one of the youngest diocese in Uganda but for consecutive 20 years, they are have been blessed with priesthood vocations and other young men joining religious congregation like the Capuchin Missionaries, Holy Cross and Many others.
The Kasese District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Florence Kabugho, present at the function, appreciated priests and Deacons for the milestone achieved, and asked all Christians to pray and support them in their ministry.