His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of Mbarara, has issued an appeal for financially capable Christians to support the formation of seminarians from the Archdiocese across various seminaries.
The call was made during the Priestly and Diaconate ordinations at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Nyamitanga Cathedral in Mbarara today 27th August 2023. The ceremony witnessed the ordination of 9 priests and 13 deacons, with an additional 2 priests set to be ordained at Buhimba Parish on September 2nd, 2023.
To effectively facilitate the formation of the 119 seminarians presently enrolled, Archbishop Bainomugisha stressed the need for a collective contribution of at least Shillings 230 million.
In his speech, he commended Rev. Fr. John Baptist Bashobora’s Foundation for sponsoring 40 seminarians. The Archbishop also expressed gratitude towards individuals who are supporting these future priests, while also noting the requirement for additional supporters.
“I want to thank everyone who been helping us with formation, like Fr Bashobora’s foundation which sponsors 40 seminarians. But there are some of you here who also sponsor these seminarians,” said Archbishop Bainomugisha.
He recounted an incident that occurred just days ago, where an individual pledged support for the formation cause. The Archbishop called for bigger support, explaining the importance of backing both the seminarians and the Archdiocese as a whole.
Addressing the newly ordained priests, Archbishop Bainomugisha offered guidance for their future roles. He urged them to effectively communicate the teachings of Christ, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of the message they would deliver. He emphasized the spirit of responsibility and the eager anticipation from the Christian community, showing the values of love, faith, and joy in their service.
Drawing a parallel to the story of St. Peter, the Archbishop noted the reflective approach of the apostle before declaring his revelation about Christ’s identity. In the same vein, he encouraged the new priests to similarly plan their teachings before conveying them to their congregations.
“My sons, Christ is your model. If you think you are doing something original, maybe you should not be here. Christ gave you an example, be like Him. Be humble and do not allow to lose hope in the promises of the Gospel. The Gospel that you preach, show it too in your actions,” he urged them.
Archbishop Bainomugisha further called upon the Christian community to extend a warm reception to the newly ordained priests and support as they embark on their sacred journey of service.
Among the recently ordained priests are Rev. Fr. Richard Kakuru, designated to serve at Ntungamo Parish; Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Byakwiza, sent to Kakoma Parish; Rev. Fr. Gordon Muhebwa, committed to Kishariro Parish; Rev. Fr. Henry Kamugisha, assigned to Nyakitoko Parish; Rev. Fr. Ernest Sunday, entrusted with Kitwe Parish; Rev. Fr. Vianney Turyajunwaki, to serve at Mushanga Parish; Rev. Fr. Atwiine Abel, poised for Ngarama Parish; Rev. Fr. Clecent Mandela, sent to Kitura Parish; and Rev. Fr. Bruno Tumwesigye, designated for St. Kagwa Parish.
The ceremony at Buhimba Parish on September 2nd, 2023, will see the ordination of Rev. Fr. Luke Nyoreka and Rev. Fr. Cosmas Namanya.
The newly ordained deacons are Rev. Deacon Innocent Nuwagaba, Rev. Deacon Emmanuel Mucunguzi, Rev. Deacon Moses Atugumya, Rev. Deacon Nicholas Mubangizi, Rev. Deacon Ronald Atwijukire, Rev. Deacon Aventiino Arinaitwe, Rev. Deacon Trust Ambrose, Rev. Deacon Alex Baguma, and Rev. Deacon Laurence Turyamureba.
Others are; Rev. Deacon Gilbert Bikorwaruhanga, Rev. Deacon David Tibingana, Rev. Deacon Max Mubangizi, and Rev. Deacon David Bakashaba for their commitment to service and faith.
