MESSAGE OF HIS GRACE PAUL SSEMOGERERE

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the People of God in St. Charles Lwanga, Mutundwe Catholic Parish, accept my heartfelt greetings and congratulations as you celebrate your 8th Anniversary as a Parish. It must be a unique and special moment especially after going through the difficult time of Covid-19 pandemic, which scared us and robbed us of man of our beloved ones. On this historic occasion, I call upon you, first and foremost to offer our deep most gratitude and praises to Almighty God for the countless spiritual and material favors He has bestowed upon you all in Mutundwe Parish. Indeed God deserves the glory and honor (Rev. 4: 11); for every good and perfect gift is from God, coming down from the Father (James 1: 17).

The Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Denis Warren Kibalama, and your collaborators, Rev. Fr. Joseph John Ssenkaali and Rev. Fr. Joseph Mugamba; we highly appreciate your commitment, pastoral zeal and availability in your Parish apostolate. I take this opportunity to express my special thanks to all the parishioners for participating in the life of the Church at Mutundwe. With your prayers, generous contributions and personal involvement in good works and fulfillment of your duties, you constantly build the body of Christ and this has made your infant parish vibrant in the Archdiocese. Our leaders in the Parish community, right from the Basic Christian Communities up to the leading Council of the Laity; thank you for the tremendous service of love that you are offering for our Mother Church.

In the past 8 years of existence, there have been enormous achievements you have scored; spiritually there is a noticeable increase in the numbers of those who have received Baptism, Confirmation, and even Holy Matrimony. There is regular participation of Christ’s faithful in your Basic Christian Communities (Obubondo) as well as exemplary leadership in the parish. You have been fully involved in the extension of your Church structure which is very beautiful. All these are clear testimony of your ardent faith, hope and love in Christ.

For the Church to thrive requires collective support and meeting of mind from both your priests who are my representatives, your parish leaders and the involvement of all Christians within and outside the parish embodiment. I sincerely thank you all for your unwavering support, collaboration and selfless dedication. All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had (Acts 4:32).

Today is indeed a special day, the community of Mutundwe parish has gathered to congratulate her members upon their elevation to different offices as MPs, Mayors, Local Councilors and other professionals in the society. I re-echo my deepest sentiments of appreciation regardless of your various political spectrum. Your positions will demand from you in making rapid but intelligent decisions, collaborating, advocating, pleading and lobbying with the State.

Leadership is about influencing others, doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, no matter how difficult. We live in a challenging moment where prices of home basic needs have skyrocketed; we still need your involvement at all levels so that your people do not lose hope for the future. Be ready to be Christ’s witnesses, carry the mantle of leadership, but above all be assured of my constant prayers.

In a special way, I pay tribute to all who have gone beyond the self, others during and after the pandemic. It is truly inspiring to know that there are great men and women doing the needful.

Finally, I use this opportunity to thank all of you for welcoming me and participating in the events that led to my installation as Archbishop; with your prayers and other forms of support the entire event was a success.

While entrusting you to the intercession of your patron saint, St. Charles Lwanga, I pray that you may all stay firm, grow in faith and Love of Christ the Redeemer. I wish you nice celebrations as you grow together and I impart my apostolic blessings upon you and your families.

†Paul Ssemogerere
ARCHBISHOP OF KAMPALA