Deacons | The Catholic Diocese of Kasese

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.

By: Sr. Sarah Muhindo and Felex Sengiyunva

*Seminarians with the Bishop After Instruction and Admission*

On Saturday the 15th June 2024 was the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary which happens to be the Patron saint’s day of Hima Catholic Parish, in the diocese of Kasese. Hima Parish had a special celebration for this feast as it has always been celebrated annually.

*Hima Parishioners in procession with the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, prior Mass*

The Bishop of the diocese of Kasese the Rt.Rev.Francis Aquirinus Kibira was the chief celebrant during the holy mass.In this Celebration, Bishop Francis admitted five Seminarians to Serious Candidacy of the Holy Orders.

*Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira celebrating the Sacrifice of the Mass*

They are the following; Seminarians Mbusa Rusiano of Kyalhumba Parish, David Bwambale Kitabu Parish, Bwambale Robert Mathande from Kasanga, Mikanyu Phillip of Nsenyi and Seminarian Asaba Rodrick of Ibanda Parish. Five seminarians including Sem. Mikanyu Phillip and others are expected to be ordained deacons on the Diocesan Priestly Ordination Day due on 29th June 2024 that will be held at St. John’s the Evangelist Seminary, Kiburara and the rest, in 2025.

According to the Official letter released from the Bishop’s Office, for this year’s Ordination, Three Deacons will be Ordained to Priesthood while five Seminarians, will be ordained as deacons of the Church.

On the same function, the Bishop Commissioned Six new and fresh catechists in Hima parish who also committed themselves to do God’s work and preach the Faith to the People of God. The catechists committed themselves to serve faithfully and generously in order to make all know Christ.

*Commissioned New catechists in a photo with the Bishop*

His Lordship Aquirinus Kibira Kambale delivering his Homily, emphasized the continuous love and closeness to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

He said that with Total devotion and call for her intercession, the Blessed Virgin Mary is the source of every blessing because she never ceases to pray for all those who call on her.His Lordship Praised Hima priests and Parish Council Members for organizing the celebration in a vibrant, unique and glorious Style especially the most humorous procession of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Priests and the entire Christian community, prior Mass.

Bishop Kibira finally Called on Christians to Always call on the Mother of the Church the Blessed Virgin Mary through songs, tasking the Seminarians and Catechists to always call on her intercession and their Vocation for faith will be easy and joyful.

*A Glorious Procession and How vibrant the Celebration was.*

Explore and Meditate through more gallery of the Function. It was Glorious and Memorable.

Images📸: Felex Sengiyunva