Regina Mundi Parish and the entire Moroto Diocese on Saturday celebrated Rev. Fr. Micheal Lubega who marked 35 years in priesthood in Karamoja.

The event that began with a holy mass at Regina Mundi Parish Church compound, attracted Lubega’s family members from Buganda. 

Others included priests from several dioceses and colleagues in Christ outside and inside Uganda.

Fr. Micheal Lubega (M) with other priests dance during his 35th priesthood anniversary in Karamoja. (Photo by Olandason Wanyama)

In his sermon, the Moroto Diocese Bishop Damiano Guillio Guzetti urged the believers to live a good and exemplary life in any environment they find themselves in.

Speaking under the theme, “I shall recount Yahweh’s acts of faithful love” (Isaiah 63.7), he asked the Christians to desist from what would make them sin.

“35 years of the priesthood is not easy but requires commitment,’ Guzetti noted.

He encouraged Fr. Lubega not to be afraid but continue serving the lord saying the power of baptism has joined together to fight the powers of Satan.

“We have the power to prevent an enemy that would love to derail the Children of God,” Guzetti said.

He advised Fr Lubega to always remember with gratitude all the graces in Church for his past 35 years in the priesthood.

Believers sing praises during the 35th anniversary of Fr. Micheal Lubega. (Photo by Olandason Wanyama)

Bishop Guzetti encouraged Christians to love one another and pray for the unity of Karamoja.

Reflecting on how far he has come, Fr Lubega thanked God for his kindness and helping hand that has enabled him to serve.

“Thank you, God,'' he noted, asking the Almighty to create more blessings for the people of Karamoja.

Lubega added that “as an ordained priest he had offered services to various communities of believers, particularly in the region.

He urged his colleagues and Christians to support the Church in Karamoja so as it moves to the next level in the future.

Believers pray during the celebration to mark 35 years of Fr. Micheal Lubega priesthood in Karamoja. (Photo by Olandason Wanyama)

Meanwhile, the Vicar General for Moroto Catholic Diocese, Fr. Paul Ngole, applauded Fr. Lubega for being committed to the Church.

“Fr. Lubega hails from Masaka diocese like Abraham he heard the call of the Lord to leave his cradle land," Ngole noted.

He added that the heart of the celebration is Jesus, the high priest who chose Fr. Lubega to serve in Moroto Diocese.

“Now celebrating the 35 years of the priesthood is joyous,” Ngole said, adding that it’s a journey that starts after so many years.

He commended Fr. Lubega for being an exemplary committed and dedicated priest. He asked God to generously reward him.

Charity sisters in Moroto also attended the 35 years of Fr. Micheal Lubega priesthood in Karamoja. (Photo by Olandason Wanyama)

Noelina Nakalanzi, Fr Lubega’s mother, was overjoyed – she asked God to continue blessing her son.

Nakalanzi congratulated the Church in Karamoja and the entire Christian community of Moroto Diocese for having accepted to work with her son.

Background

Fr. Micheal Lubega was ordained on 6th July 1986 as a priest.

The same year he became the parish priest for Regina Mundi parish priest till to date.