Archbishop Bainomugisha's 'scientific' installation underway

Jun 20, 2020

RELIGION|

Mbarara Archdiocese is holding a ‘scientific' installation of its second archbishop, Lambert Bainomugisha who was appointed by Pope Francis on April 25.

Below is the detailed procedure of the installation ceremony:

The installation ritual starts at 11 AM.

The procession for mass will include the servers, priests, bishops, and the three archbishops. Archbishop Emeritus, Paul Bakyenga and Archbishop Bainomugisha, will be the second last in the procession, and the last will be the Pope's representative in Uganda (Nuncio), Archbishop Luigi Bianco.

When they arrive at the Cathedral door, Archbishop Bainomugisha will be received by the Cathedral Rector, Fr Ssebugwawo Dennis, who is also Nyamitanga parish priest. 

Ssebugwawo will present to him a crucifix, which he will kiss and proceed with the procession into the Cathedral.

Once at the altar, Archbishops Bakyenga, Bainomugisha, and Bianco will be the only ones to genuflect and take positions at the altar

Archbishop Emeritus, Paul Bakyenga will then give introductory remarks and invite the Nuncio to lead the proceedings.

The Nuncio will ask for Bainomugisha's letter of appointment from the Pope, which the chancellor, Fr Boneventure Turyomumazima, will bring. This letter will be handed over to the Board of Consultors. These are 6 members of the clergy at the diocese who are like the advisory committee of the archbishop.

The Assistant Chancellor, Severinus Ndugwa, will be asked to read Bainomugisha's appointment letter to the congregation in English and Runyankore. 

The Nuncio will then invite Bainomugisha to his new apostolic seat, known as the Cathedra or the throne of the bishop. The seat symbolizes the archbishop's teaching and apostolic authority. 

The Nuncio will deliver the pope's message to the new archbishop and ask him to accept it. And Bainomugisha will accept. 

The nuncio will then hand over to Bainomugisha a shepherd's staff or crosier, which is the symbol of his pastoral authority.

Then, oaths of allegiance will follow in 2 groups. The first group will include all the clergy present, who will pay homage and swear allegiance to the new archbishop on behalf of the rest. They will bow and wave. No one will shake hands as a measure against COVID-19

The second group will be by religious leaders, catechists, laypeople, leaders of other faiths and government leaders, who will promise a cordial working relationship. 

The installation rite will be concluded by the new archbishop intoning the Gloria. The rest of the Eucharist will be celebrated in the usual way. 

Important things to note

Archbishop Bainomugisha was appointed by Pope Francis on 25th April, 2020. 

The enthronement ceremony takes place on the Feast of Immaculate Heart of Mary, 20th June, 

It is the first ever scientific installation in Uganda. 

Archbishop Emeritus Paul Kamuza Bakyenga became Emeritus the moment Bainomugisha was appointed archbishop

The installation will not make Bainomugisha an archbishop because he became one the moment the pope appended his signature on the appointment letter. 

The archbishop's apostolic seat is known as the Cathedra. It is a symbol of the bishop's teaching and apostolic authority in the archdiocese. It is placed behind the altar or on the left side of the altar.

Bakyenga's seat, whose coats of arms bore the motto: ‘Stay With Us, Lord', has been removed and is now kept with the other Cathedras of all the past bishops of Mbarara in the archive stores at the archdiocese. 

Bainomugisha's new seat bears his coats of arms with a motto; ‘Thy Kingdom Come'.

Special chalice

A special chalice will be used in the Eucharist. It has a special role in the life of the archdiocese. It was donated by Pope Pius XI when the area became the Vicariate of Rwenzori covering the Ankole, Kigezi, Toro and Bunyoro, in 1934. 

It has been used in all the installation ceremonies at Nyamitanga Cathedral. First, when the Apostolic Vicar, François-Xavier Lacoursière, became the first Bishop on May 28 1934. 

Then when Bishop Jean Marie Ogez took over on 26th August 1957. It was again used in August 1969 when the first black bishop, John Baptist Kakubi, was installed, when Bishop Paul Bakyenga was installed as bishop on 23 November 1991 and again as archbishop on 11th of July, 1999. 

Thereafter, the chalice will be kept at the Bishop's House chapel till the next installation. 

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