Prepare to welcome pope, says bishop

By Juliet Lukwago                     

Bishop Paul Ssemwogerere of Kasana-Luweero has called on Christians to spare time for spiritual reexamination as Uganda prepares for Pope Francis' visit due in November.

“As we prepare for other functions, let’s also prepare to receive His Holiness Pope Francis,” he told hundreds of Christians during a fundraising dinner held at Pope Paul VI Memorial Hotel in Kampala.

“It is incumbent upon us, as true Christians, to fully prepare ourselves spiritually and bodily so that the pontiff finds us fitting in all ways.”
 

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Pope Francis kisses a baby as he arrives for his weekly general audience at St Peter's square

The prelate said that the pope’s visit should inspire a fundamental change in the lives of Ugandans, particularly the Christians, citing the pontiff’s recent visit to the US.

 “We saw many people sobbing during and after the pope’s addresses in all the places he visited in the US, which meant that he touched many issues that affect Americans,” said Ssemwogerere.

“He must have changed many hearts of the American people. I am sure that when we [Uganda] host Pope Francis, his visit will leave many hearts of Ugandans quite changed in different aspects of their lives.”

At the fundraising dinner, some sh41m was collected – out of over sh87m needed to complete the main hall which doubles as the dining hall of St Kizito Seminary, Nandere.

In attendance was former president of FUFA and director of St Mary’s SS Kitende, Lawrence Mulindwa, who was the chief guest.

He contributed sh10m towards the project. He also pledged to donate 50 soccer balls to be distributed to the youths in the diocese.

On his part, Bishop Ssemwogerere extended his gratitude towards all who attended the dinner and made contributions towards a “noble cause”.

He also urged Christians, especially the youth, to have strong faith and emulate the Uganda martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their faith.

‘Seminaries are like factories’
 

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Bishop Ssemwogerere hands over a gift to ex-FUFA boss Lawrence Mulindwa. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

The prelate also called on well-wishers to support young Christians who wish to join the seminary.

 “Many youths out there would want to join the seminaries, but they cannot due to financial constraints. They find themselves unable to make it because of financial difficulty. Even the Church cannot take them all, because it is also financially incapacitated.

“Therefore, I request well-wishers and guardians to sacrifice their material needs and come out to support the youngsters who aspire to become priests and continue with God’s work,” urged Ssemwogerere.

Meanwhile, Mulindwa called upon Ugandans to continue helping the seminaries in their work of training prospective priests.

“Seminaries are like factories where priests are manufactured. So, Christians must come out and contribute financially to manufacture priests who are needed to carry out God’s work.

“I am happy that many people have shown interest and generously contributed towards the training of the seminarians. However, the institution needs a lot more as many young men would want to join, but curtailed by financial constraints,” said the former FUFA boss.

Nandere Seminary was started by Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito-Lwanga when he was still the Bishop of Kasana – Luweero in 2001.

It has produced priests including Fr John Bosco Lugonja and Deacons Emmanuel Ssekyazi and John Bosco Lutaaya.