Bishop Muhiirwa Commissions 32 Deacons, 13 Seminarians at Ggaba Seminary

Thirty-two deacons and 13 seminarians were commissioned on Thursday morning at St. Mary’s National Seminary Ggaba during the institution’s 53rd commissioning ceremony.

The ceremony was presided over by Rt Rev Robert Muhiirwa, the Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese.

In his message to the commissioned deacons and seminarians, Bishop Muhiirwa urged them to always respond positively to God’s call, especially when sent to serve in different parishes.

Drawing inspiration from the Prophet Isaiah, the Bishop reflected on how Isaiah initially felt unworthy of the mission God entrusted to him.

“Nevertheless, the angel cleansed his lips with a burning charcoal, and he realised that he could respond, though he was not worthy. He said, ‘Here I am, Lord, send me.’ He responded positively to the Lord’s call,” Bishop Muhiirwa said.

“You too, hopefully, have been cooperating with us at different levels of your formation — philosophical, theological — and through the positive recommendations we have received from directors, staff, and Christian communities. But that is not enough. It is you who must continuously say, ‘Yes Lord, here I am, send me,’” he added.

The Bishop noted that as the deacons and seminarians advance toward ordination to the priesthood and diaconate, they should not fear difficult assignments given to them by their bishops.

“You need not be afraid because you are not alone. Remember you have a strong family background from your parents, as we heard in the second reading where Paul encouraged Timothy to follow the example of his grandmother and mother, women of great faith,” he said.

He, however, reminded them that while family support and guidance are important, each individual must personally nurture and strengthen their relationship with God.

“Your parents may have encouraged you and may be good examples, but that is not enough. You too must grow, personalise your faith in the Lord, and continue strengthening your relationship with Him through your ministries and service,” Bishop Muhiirwa said.

The Bishop further reminded them that in the coming weeks, many of them will be ordained priests and deacons, during which their palms will be anointed with Holy Chrism as they pledge obedience to the Bishop.

Addressing the deacons specifically, he reminded them of their commitment to lifelong celibacy.

“Not because you are afraid of marriage, and not because marriage is bad, but because you want to respond to the Lord who called you. You have been saying, ‘Yes Lord, here I am, send me,’” he said.

He encouraged them to remain committed to preaching the Word of God and administering sacraments such as the Eucharist and penance.

“As you minister to God’s people, remember that you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you. Be open to listening to the Holy Spirit and pray for guidance as you witness Christ among His people. Be prepared to go and do your best, especially among those who are neglected,” he added.

Bishop Muhiirwa also encouraged the commissioned deacons and seminarians to emulate the example of Carlo Acutis, noting that despite his young age, he inspired many people to embrace the Catholic faith through his deep love for the Eucharist.

He urged them to read more about the life and witness of Carlo Acutis as they prepare for ministry.