Six Deacons Ordained as Priests in Joyful Ceremony at Rushoroza Cathedral
Ordination of Six Deacons into the Priesthood at Rushoroza Cathedral
By Davis Owomugisha
Rushoroza Cathedral is currently hosting a significant event as six deacons are being ordained into the priesthood. This ceremony coincides with the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time and is being led by Fr. Placid Mugumya, the Secretary to the Bishop.
Fr. Mugumya delivered a powerful homily, focusing on the theme of life, both spiritual and physical. He emphasized the importance of aligning with God's will to achieve eternal life and highlighted the essential role of priests in administering the sacraments and combating spiritual evils. "A priest is a king because he fights Satan," Fr. Mugumya stated, underlining the divine selection and responsibility bestowed upon priests.
Bishop Callist Rubaramira addressed the deacons and expressed gratitude to their parents for offering their children to God's service. The cathedral is filled with jubilation, with the song "Reeba naija Mukama naija kukora ebyokunda" being sung as the deacons are welcomed to the ordination table.
The Vocations Director has officially presented the deacons to the Bishop for ordination. The Bishop accepted and delivered a sermon, emphasizing the global missionary work these new priests will undertake on behalf of the Kabale Diocese. He reminded them that they share in Jesus' priesthood through baptism and are now called to preach and serve the Church.
The Bishop urged the new priests to emulate Christ, protect their integrity through daily prayer, and administer the sacraments with devotion. He encouraged them to live by the teachings they preach and represent Christ with honor. As they affirmed their commitment, the deacons made their vows, marking their readiness to embark on their priestly mission.
At exactly 12:24 PM, Rushoroza Cathedral erupted in joy as the six deacons were ordained as priests. The ceremony, led by Bishop Callist Rubaramira and Fr. Placid Mugumya, marked a significant milestone for the Kabale Diocese.
As the newly ordained priests were being decorated, the congregation sang "Nyamuhanga Yakutorana" in celebration. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as Christians congratulated the new priests:
- Fr. Innocent Kanyesigye of the Apostles of Jesus
- Fr. Philemon Byomuhangi of the Spiritan Fathers
- Fr. Christopher Niwagaba of the Apostles of Jesus
- Fr. Asiingwire Anaklet of the Spiritan Fathers
- Fr. Alex Muhwezi of the Montfort Fathers
- Fr. Robert Mugabe of the Apostles of Jesus
These priests are now ready to serve as missionaries, dedicated to spreading the word of God and serving the community. They have been posted to their new assignments, which their superiors will announce later today.
Among the church dignitaries present were Msgr. Silverus Ndugwa, Vicar General of Mbarara Archdiocese, and Fr. Twesigomwe Deusdedit, Pastoral Coordinator of Mbarara Archdiocese. Also in attendance were the Superior Generals of the Spiritan Fathers, Montfort Fathers, and Apostles of Jesus congregations.
The representative of the Spiritan Fathers commissioned Fr. Anaklet Asingwire, who has been sent to France to serve God's people, and Fr. Philemon Byomuhangi, who has been sent to Mexico. Both were given their appointment letters with immediate effect. The representative blessed them and their crucifixes and advised them not to be afraid.
The representative of the Montfort Missionaries, Fr. Jacob, commissioned Fr. Alex Muhwezi and thanked the Bishop for ordaining him. He advised the newly ordained priest to respect the dignity he has been given. Fr. Alex Muhwezi, who has been working in Kabuyanda Parish in Mbarara Diocese, has been retained there.
The representative of the Apostles of Jesus, Fr. Akiiki, commissioned Fr. Innocent Kanyesigye, Fr. Christopher Niwagaba, and Fr. Robert Mugabe. He read a message from the headquarters in Nairobi, appreciating the newly ordained priests for their exemplary behavior during their studies. He also thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira for ordaining their priests. The new priests have been requested to report to Nairobi by August 5 to receive their next assignments.
The Bishop asked all Christians to stand on behalf of the Diocese to fully commission and accept these young men to preach and represent Kabale Diocese outside their home region. The song of the Holy Spirit was sung as the Bishop, together with all priests present, blessed the newly ordained priests.
This ordination ceremony is a momentous occasion for the Kabale Diocese, celebrating the dedication and spiritual commitment of the new priests who are set to serve both locally and globally.
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