Catholic Church mourns Fr Damian Kato

PIC: Fr Damian Kasozi Kato who was buried at Rubaga Cathedral Priests' cemetry on-Monday. (Courtesy photo)

ORBITUARY

From October 21, 1958 to March 2, 2018

KAMPALA - Tributes have been paid to the assistant parish-priest of Ndeeba Catholic parish, who succumbed to high blood pressure and liver complications at the age of 59.

Presiding over the funeral mass at Rubaga Cathedral on Monday the vicar-general of Kampala Archdiocese, the Rt Rev Msgr Charles Kasibante, described Kato as a committed priest, who served the Church with a dutiful and loyal disposition.

Msgr Kasibante sprinkles holy water on the casket containing the remains of Kato during the requiem mass at Rubaga Cathedral on-Monday. (Credit Mathias-Mazinga)

"Our brother Kato was a true disciple of Jesus. He has served God's people with humility. He was passionate about the poor and the disadvantaged," Kasibante said.

The chancellor of the Archdiocese, Fr Dr Joseph Mary Ssebunnya, also admired Kato's purity and obedience.

Kasibante presideing over the burial of Fr Damian Kato at Rubaga Cathedral on-Monday. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

"Kato had a big heart, which was overflowing with love and mercy. He was a hard-working priest with desire to improve the living conditions of the Christians among whom he worked. He also had a rich sense of humour," Ssebunya said.

Princess Luwedde, Kato's maternal aunt, described him as "jolly, loving and generous."

Catholic priests and laity during the funeral of Fr Damian Kao at Rubaga Cathedral on Monday. (Credit: Mathias-Mazinga)

The head of the laity of Ndeeba parish, Julius Kayiira described Kato as a down-to-earth priest, who was meek even in his dress-code.

Kato was also mourned by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga and his immediate former parish-priest, the Rev Fr Francis Xavier Kikomeko.