By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
Mbarara
Nyamitanga Cathedral was filled with joyous cheers and hymns of praise as 9 Deacons and 13 Seminarians were ordained to priesthood and Diaconate respectively today Sunday 27th August,2023. The Archbishop of Mbarara archdiocese, His Grace Lambert Beinomugisha, presided over the ordination ceremony and reminded the new priests to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
In his address to the newly ordained priests, Archbishop Beinomugisha urged them to always emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ. He reminded them that they are not the first priests, but that Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of how to live a good life as a priest. By following Christ’s teachings, he said, they would not regret their decision to serve God and the church.
He revealed to christians who attended the ordination that Mbarara archdiocese now has a total of 202 priests including the two who will be ordained on Saturday next week. The two deacons to be ordained on Saturday are Deacon Luke Nyesigire and Deacon Cosmas Namanya who will be ordained at their home parish as it was requested by their parish.
The ordination ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Hon. Francis Mwebesa (Minister of Trade, Investment and cooperatives), Eng Silver Mugishisha (Executive Director NWSC),Dr. Celestine Barigye (Director Mbarara regional referral hospital), Hon Rosemary Nyakikongoro,(Woman Member of Parliament for Sheema), Hon Baziri Bataringaya (Mp Kashari North) among others.
The atmosphere was jubilant as the new priests received their holy orders. Their families, friends, and supporters joined in the celebration, expressing their gratitude for such a momentous occasion. The newly ordained priests were filled with joy as they took their vows and committed themselves to a life of service to the church and to God.
The ordination ceremony was a reminder of the importance of faith, and the impact that dedicated and compassionate priests can have in people’s lives. The church and the community alike were filled with hope and inspiration as they welcomed the new priests into the fold.
Rev. Fr. Byakwiza Emmanuel who represented the newly ordained priests thanked His Grace Lambert for his efforts having seen them go through this journey, he also thanked their parents for their support in their calling. Byakwiza also expressed their gratitude to the catechists who play a very big role in grooming priests since they are the ones at the grassroot level where they are modeled into seminarians.
At the ordination function, His Grace appointed the newly ordained priests to different parishes in the dioces as follows;
Fr.Gordon Muhebwa -Kishariro Parish, Fr.Henry Kamugisha – Nyakitoko parish in Buhweju district, Fr Emanuel Byakwiza Kakoma Parish, Fr . Ernest Sunday Kitwe Parish in Ntungamo district, Fr.Abel Ngarama Parish in Isingiro district, Fr.Vianney Mushanga Parish in Bushenyi, Fr.Cresent Mandela Kitura Parish, Fr.Tumwesigye Bruno – St Kagwa parish also in Bushenyi and Fr.Richard Kakuru Ntungamo parish.
