Unite for development, Bishop Ssekamaanya tells Ugandans

As 2016 starts retired Bishop of Lugazi diocese, Dr. Matthias Ssekamaanya has called upon Ugandans to continue exhibiting the solidarity they showed during the Pope's visit to Uganda in November 2015 for the country's speedy development.

He noted that Ugandans, irrespective of religion, showed solidarity during Pope Francis's visit adding that if this spirit continues the country will continue develop in each and every area.

Mammoth crowds welcomed Pope Francis during his November 27 to 29 visit to Uganda.

Ssekamaanya was preaching to hundreds of Christians from different Dioceses who flocked to Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix Ggogonya Convent in Wakiso district on Monday to take part in annually celebrations; under "In reparation, let us bring God's Mercy to all people."  

Ssekamaanya thanked President Yoweri Museveni and also prayed that God continues to bless the government for all contribution they made towards the hosting the Pope in this country.  He also thanked all Ugandans who contributed towards the construction of the Catholic martyrs Shrine at Namugongo.
 
"Those who reach the president help us to thank him and the government too for the good spirit they showed at that time, I also thank my colleagues the bishops most especially the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga because he was instrumental in all the preparations," Ssekamaanya said.

Some of the nuns who celebrated 25 and 60 years make their vows on Monday Jan, 4, 2016 PHOTO BY JULIET LUKWAGO

He particularly urged all politicians to solidarity to avoid disunity.   

During the celebrations eight nuns from different parishes received blessings from Pope Francis for their 25 years in sisterhood. These were; Elizabeth Nambwayo from Kiyinda-Mityana diocese, Maria Gorretti Nalubula—Naddangira, Rose Irene Namatovu, Kanyanya parish, Caroline Naluwembe, Kiziba Parish, Jane France Mukagatare, Ggoli Parish, Maria Betty Namubiru, Lweza Parish, Harriet Christine Nabatanzi all from Kampala Archdiocese and Harriet Nalubega, from Buyonga Masaka diocese.

 Others who received blessings after celebrating diamond jubilee were; Sister Maria Elizabeth Theresa Namusisi of Kisubi Parish, Lucia Anna Nababuuza, Ggoli Parish, Josephine Bernadine Nabulime of Kijaguzo Parish, Maria Gozanga Gonza Namazzi, Kabuwoko in Masaka, Maria Alfonso Matilda and Ziribaggwa, Katende Parish.

Some of the sisters take the offertory to the altar PHOTO BY JULIET LUKWAGO

At the same function nine nuns made their perpetual vows; these were Juliet Nakabuye Musoke, Winfred Namukwaya , Immaculate Nankanja, Harriet Baker Nalwoga, Jane Frances Nassali, Harriet Nabayunga, Maria Nakato Maria Susan Namusoke and Emilly Regina Nantongo.   

The colorful celebrations were attended by bishops Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga; Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala; Joseph Anthony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana, John Baptist Kaggwa-Masaka; Christopher Kakooza-Lugazi and several priests from different Dioceses and Parishes.
   
Meanwhile Archbishop Lwanga hailed Ugandan nuns for serving the Church for long time in several parts of the country in different categories teaching and working in hospitals.

"All the faithful of Christ of whatever rank are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity. In order that the faithful may reach this perfection, you must use your strength accordingly as you have received it, as a gift from Christ. You must devote yourselves with all your being to the glory of God and the service of your neighbor," he said.  

He added that "Pope Francis is counting on us the Religious to wake up the world since the distinctive sign of consecrated life is prophecy."