By our reporter
Mbarara
December 28th marks a special day in the Catholic Church’s calendar – Holy Innocents Day, also known as the Feast of the Holy Innocents. On this day, the church commemorates the first martyrs, the children of Israel who were tragically killed by King Herod in his desperate search for baby Jesus. This day is also commonly referred to as Childermas.
At Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital, the significance of this day was not overlooked. Reverend Father Hans, the chaplain of the institution, led a special mass to honor the children who have suffered and paid tribute to their resilience.
During the mass, Father Hans highlighted the importance of providing a loving and nurturing environment for children. He expressed his deep concern for the street children in Mbarara and attributed their plight to domestic violence and alcohol abuse within their homes. Drawing inspiration from the example set by mother Mary and Joseph, he urged the congregation to prioritize creating stable and loving families.
Father Hans emphasized that love, care, and the act of sharing are paramount for the well-being of children. He urged parents to instill these values in their children, listen to them attentively, and set positive examples. He also acknowledged that being a good parent is a challenging task that many struggle with.
In addition to praising the efforts of parents, Father Hans expressed his gratitude towards the dedicated healthcare workers at Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital. He commended their diligence and urged them to continue their unwavering commitment to saving the lives of innocent children.
During the same mass, two children were introduced to the Catholic faith through baptism.
Tumusiime Robert, the hospital administrator, extended his gratitude to Father Hans for leading the mass and for his genuine dedication to children. He highlighted the importance of introducing children to the Catholic faith at a young age through baptism, fostering their spiritual growth.
The celebration of Holy Innocents Day at Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital served as a reminder to all present of the critical need to protect and care for the most vulnerable in society – the children. It was a testament to the hospital’s ongoing mission to provide holistic care to its young patients, combining medical care with spiritual guidance.
Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital celebrated Holy Innocents Day with a solemn and heartfelt mass, emphasizing the importance of love, care, and creating nurturing environments for children. The event served as a reminder of the hospital’s commitment to saving the lives of innocent children and the significance of their holistic well-being.
