57 seminarians, deacons graduate at Ggaba Seminary

After re-opening of higher institutions of learning for finalists, seminarians and deacons of St Mary's National Major Seminary Ggaba graduated from their Theology studies.

The 57 seminarians and deacons from 19 dioceses who successfully passed the four-year theological studies received their graduation certificates on Friday.

The Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, presided over the graduation function, during which the seminarians were awarded the seminary's Diploma in Theological, one of the steps in their journey towards priesthood.

According to Rector, Fr Lazarus Luyinda, Year VI is a pastoral-spiritual year, which the seminarians spend in parishes or (equivalent institutions) minor seminaries in the respective dioceses of origin. 

At the end of the fourth year of theological formation, candidates sit for the comprehensive Urbaniana degree examination leading to the award of the Baccalaureate degree of Theology.

Luyinda said that deacons and seminarians were awarded diplomas in Theological but still waiting for degree certificates from the Pontifical Urban University of Rome. He thanked Archbishop Lwanga for presiding over the function.

 While addressing them during the scientific function at the seminary - no single parents was allowed to attend it - Lwanga pointed out the promises of celibacy and obedience to the Pope and Bishops, which the Catholic priests pronounce at their priestly ordination.

Lwanga further put it to the deacons and seminarians to take the commitment to respect and observe the teachings, doctrines and established authority of the Roman Catholic Church.

He reminded them that this ceremony marks the formal maturity approval of the call.

"It is not about just obtaining marks and getting the approval of staff for ordination, but rather we want this ceremony to be a public manifestation that one has answered Christ's call and now ready to live and do what he has been called for," he said.

He asked: "Do you feel that you are now holy, convinced, committed, well equipped and pastoral oriented future Catholic Priests of tomorrow?"

"Seminary life should also include the integration of humans, so these young men are able to live as a joyful, happy, fruitful and celibate priest.

 
Obviously, it takes time to grow into these vows, but I know that this seminary environment provides a great for you to reflect upon how you can sustain your life in the church and ministry," he added.

Zaverio Tindimwebwa from Mbarara Archdiocese who represented the graduates appreciated their fomenters, parents, benefactors and all people who enabled them to complete the formation process.

Fr. Jude Jjuuko, the Director of Studies, challenged the graduates not to deviate from the purpose for which they had been prepared.