Emmanuel College Kazo students spice Lubaga Cathedral Chrism Mass

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Students of Emmanuel College Kazo (in Kawempe division), are in ecstasy after their participation in the Chrism Mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Holy Thursday.

In the Roman Catholic tradition, Chrism Mass is celebrated during the Holy Week to commemorate the establishment of the Sacrament of Ordination, and the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist by Jesus Christ. It is presided over by a bishop, who also consecrates and blesses the oils that are used in the administration of sacraments. They include Holy Chrism, Oil of Catechumens and Oil of the Sick. So, what exactly did the students from Emmanuel College Kazo do?

Well, the students formed a mass choir that led the singing. They won the attention of the congregation owing to their superbly blended voices and faultless instrumental accompaniment.

The students’ choir of Emmanuel College Kazo leading the singing during the Chrism Mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Holy Thursday. (Mathias Mazinga)

Their liturgical repertoire was interesting and relevant. They sang common hymns such as Nga Nnungi (Fr Dr James Kabuye), Bring to the Lord (arranged by Michael Mukisa), Mirembe Omukama and Nimutungye Amagara, making it easy for the Christians to actively participate during the function. They also demonstrated great expertise in the Gregorian classics when they delivered Fr Anthony Okello’s re-arrangement of N. Praglia’s Sanctus (from Missa Angelorum).

Emmanuel College Kazo students with sacred oils during the procession. This was during the Chrism mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Holy Thursday. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

A spectacle of Emmanuel College Kazo students and a Catholic Deacon (fore-front) during the procession of the Sacred Oils. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The headteacher of Emmanuel College Kazo, Paul Kiguba (right) and his Deputy Ritah Opio carrying offertory during mass. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The students also participated in the procession of the sacred oils and the offertory procession. They also featured a brass ensemble and a team of Xavierians that delivered various services.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (second-left) mixes balsam into Chrism oil during the Chrism mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Holy Thursday (April 17, 2025). Looking on (right) is the Apostolic Nuncio (emeritus), Archbishop Dr Augustine Kasujja. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Ssemogerere (second-left) mixes balsam into Chrism oil during the Chrism Mass. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The Mass was presided over by the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere. He was accompanied by the Apostolic Nuncio (Emeritus), Archbishop Dr Augustine Kasujja, Vicar-General Msgr. Rogers Kabuye, Chancellor Fr Dr Pius Male and over 200 other priests.

Call to shun fake priests

Christians were asked to shun fake priests, who are fleecing unsuspecting Christians.

“There are some people calling themselves priests working with the archbishop or departments of the archdiocese, who contact you and ask for money. If somebody you don’t understand contacts you, inform your parish priest about it so that you are advised accordingly,” Chancellor Fr Dr Pius Male wrote in a letter that was read to the congregation.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (holding a pastoral staff), Archbishop Augustine Kasujja (fourth-right) and some other Catholic Prelates share a photo moment with the seminarians who were presented as serious candidates for ordination to Major Orders (front-row, wearing a surplice). This was during the Chrism mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere, also raised the challenge of priests, who, after being suspended by their bishop in other dioceses, come to Kampala Archdiocese and continue with their sacerdotal ministry. He urged his priests and lay Christians to reject them.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (left), Fr Ambrose Bwangatto (second-left), Fr Peter Mulyanga (third left) and Lady Emily Kitto Mwaka (right) launching the archdiocesan pastoral manual during the Chrism mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Holy Thursday (April 17, 2025). (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Fr Charles Mpiima (left) shares a light moment witha mass server from Emmanuel College Kazo. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

“If you see a suspicious priest, put it to him to first prove that he is a validly ordained minister of the Catholic Church and whether he has the permission to say Mass,” he advised.