Kabale, Uganda | The Black Examiner – The Right Reverend Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese, has presided over a significant ecclesiastical ceremony in which sixteen deacons were ordained into the priesthood. This event also marked the transition of seminarians into the deaconate. The solemn proceedings took place on the sacred premises of Our Lady of Good Shepherd, located within the Rushoroza Cathedral parish in Kabale Municipality.
Among those who have been ordained as priests are Reverend Father Nelson Agaba, hailing from Nyakishenyi Parish in Rukungiri District; Reverend Father Paul Bamwenzaki, associated with Nyakibale Parish in the same district; Reverend Father Felix Bigiromuhangi of Muko Parish in Rubanda District; Reverend Father Posiano Kwitonda, affiliated with Gisoro Parish in Kisoro District; Reverend Father Brian Monday, representing Muko Parish in Rubanda District; Reverend Father Chrispino Mubangizi, coming from Makiro Parish in Kanungu District; Reverend Father Alexander Muhumuzu, based in Muko Parish in Rubanda District; and Reverend Father Clement Musabyimana, who serves at Nyagisozi Parish in Kisoro District.
Additionally, the following individuals have also been ordained as priests: Reverend Father Ambrose Ndinumukiza, connected with Kinamira Parish in Kisoro District; Reverend Father Brian Niwagaba, associated with Muko Parish in Rubanda District; Reverend Father Ronald Niwamumpeire, stationed at Rubanda Parish in the same district; Reverend Father Celestine Nkamwesiga, representing Kabirizi Parish in Rubanda District; Reverend Father Martin Nkurunziza, affiliated with Nyagisozi Parish in Kisoro District; Reverend Father Bruno Nkwasibwe, linked to Kakore Parish in Rubanda District; Reverend Father Isaac Turinawe, serving at Rwengiri Parish in Rukungiri District; and Reverend Father Robert Nsinga – a member of MCCJ – based at Rwamagaya Parish in Rukungiri District.
Furthermore, the newly ordained deacons include Reverend Deacon Walter Harem’Imana, originating from Mutolere Parish; Reverend Deacon Bruno Niyonzima, associated with Kinamira Parish; and Reverend Deacon Deusdediti Uwiringiyimana, representing Sooko – all situated in Kisoro District.
During the ordination ceremony, Bishop Rubaramira exhorted the newly ordained priests and deacons to cultivate a spirit of prayerfulness, unwavering obedience to God, and wholehearted service to Him. He emphasized their commitment to God’s ministry, the dissemination of His good news, and the fulfillment of their divine calling to bring Christians closer to God.
In his sermon, Reverend Father Placid Mugumya, the Chancellor and Bishop’s Secretary of Kabale Diocese, cautioned the priests and deacons against relying solely on human efforts in their pursuit of spirituality. He stressed the importance of divine guidance, asserting that the ministry demands such guidance. Reverend Father Mugumya also urged the ordained priests and deacons not to conform to societal norms that could compromise their Catholic identity. Instead, he encouraged them to engage with marginalized members of society and embrace a sacrificial approach.
Guest of Honor, Honorable Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of Information Communication and Technology, lauded the Catholic Church for nurturing the spiritual growth of its followers and for addressing the practical needs of the people. He called upon the Church and other entities to focus on empowering the populace, alleviating poverty, and addressing healthcare and education concerns to enhance people’s quality of life.
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