Pope Benedict XVI has hailed six Ugandan priests, who celebrated 25 years in priesthood for dedicating their lives to the Catholic Church.

The Holy See also posthumously hailed the late Fr. Luke Baleke, who should have celebrated with the six priests, if he had not died after serving the Church for only six years.

The priests, who marked their silver jubilee on Saturday June 30, 2012  include: Fathers John Baptist Busuulwa, Joseph Ssali, Emmanuel Katongole, Dr Ferdinand Mutaawe Kasozi, Cornelius Ssempala, and Ignatius Kayita.

The Pope, who is also the Archbishop of Rome,  awarded the priests certificates of acknowledgement that were handed over to them by the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Dr Cyprian Kizito-Lwanga at a colourful ceremony that he presided over at St Mbagga’s Major Seminary, Ggaba, Kampala.

“His holiness Pope Benedict XVI cordially imparts the apostolic blessings to priests and Invoke an abundance of divine grace on the occasion of silver Jubilee of your priesthood profession and educating role, “the mounted certificate stated.

Katongole on behalf of his colleagues thanked God for the gift of priestly life. He vowed to courageously continue in the service of God. He was also grateful to the late Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga, Emmanuel cardinal Wamala, Archbishop Kizito-Lwanga, as well as the late Bishop Joseph Mukwaya, who ordained them on June, 28, 1987 at Lubaga cathedral.

 He also hailed their parents for nurturing and encouraging them in their vocation.

“Our bishops are our heroes. We are happy that they taught us to be responsible. We are also grateful to all beloved priests, parishioners in our respective mother parishes and where we have served and where we are currently serving for the great assistance that has made our service to God easy in all respects, “Katongole said.