Christians urged to support seminarians

By Taddeo Bwambale

THE Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Lwanga has appealed to Christians to contribute resources to the welfare of seminarians who are training to serve God.

The Catholic Church is responsible for the welfare of seminarians throughout their training in preparation for priesthood, which takes a period of about eight years. 

“It would be a good thing for a believer to sponsor one seminarian or more, as they prepare to serve the Lord,” Lwanga said during Chrism Mass held at Lubaga Cathedral on Thursday.

Chrism Mass is held on Holy Thursday when priests, deacons and the entire diocesan community gather around their Bishop, who blesses Holy Oils for use in the coming year.

At least 139 seminarians are undergoing training in various seminaries across the country and of these, 20 are serving are already serving in different parishes as part of the training.

The archbishop condemned the rising cases of violence in Uganda asked perpetrators to take advantage of the Easter season to repent.

The Holy Oils are used during important functions such as ordination, baptism and confirmation to signify cleansing, healing and strengthening.

During the packed service attended by clergy from several countries, eleven seminarians were installed as potential candidates for priesthood and dedicated by the church to serve God.

Majority of the seminarians installed were from St Mary’s Mbaaga, St Mary’s Ggaba and St Paul’s Kinyamasika.

Lwanga noted that Uganda was going through turbulent times characterised by, among other ills, poverty, high crime rate and the scourge of HIV.