Catholic Church marks 139 years of friendly encounter with muslims

The Catholic Church on Wednesday commemorated 139 years of the friendly encounter between the pioneer Catholic Missionaries, Fr Simeon Lourdel Mapeera and Bro Delmas Amans, and Amir Ssekikubo. 

The celebrations presided over by the Chancellor of Kampala Archdiocese, Fr Dr Joseph Mary Ssebunnya, took place at Kitebi Sub-parish Church (in Rubaga Division).

Catholic Church records indicate that Fr Mapeera had his encounter with Ssekikubo, as he made his way to the palace of King Muteesa I of Buganda, at Rubaga, to get permission to preach the gospel.

Ssekikubo, who was the Kabaka's official in charge of his roads, offered to accommodate the misisonaries for the night, and then make connections for  them, to the palace, the following day.

The Choir of Kitebi sub-parish leading the singing during mass.

 
This marked the beginning of friendly relations between the Catholic Church and the family of Amir Ssekikubo, which still stands today.

Delivering his homily, Fr. Dr Ssebunnya called for the promotion of friendly relations between the Christians and Muslims, following the example exhibited by Fr. Mapeera and Amir Ssekikubo.

Ssebunnya later asked Catholics to emulate the love, courage, perseverance, faith and hope that the pioneer missionaries exhibited.

Students from St John the Baptist SS Kitebi performing a liturgical dance during mass

 
Nusura Namutebi, a grand-child of Ssekikubo, also called on the Catholic hierarchy at Rubaga to sustain the love and friendship between the Church and the family of Amir Ssekikubo, as it was in the beginning.

Friendly sentiments prevailed when the Catholic clergy and the congregation participated in the Islamic prayers for Amir Ssekikubo, at the close of the function.

The Very Rev Fr Richard Nnyombi, a Ugandan member of the missionary society of White Fathers also graced the function.

The Christians presenting offertory to Fr Ssebunnya.

Fr Ssebunnya( 3rd left) presiding over the mass for the commemoration of the meeting of the pioneer Catholic missionaries Fr Loudel