UGANDA: Catholic Men Association Inaugurated in Uganda’s Kasese Diocese
Masereka Peter
As the number of women continue to increase and dominate the evangelization ministry and animation in the Catholic Church through the Catholic Women’s Association, the Ordinary of Kasese, Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira has launched the Catholic Men of St. Joseph the Worker as a way of creating an avenue for the men to also actively participate in the mission of Christ.
The association started in 2022 in Kyalhumba Catholic Parish following the appointment of Rev. Fr. Cosmas Asaba as the Parish Priest who noted that the number of men continues to decease in the active work of the church.
Before Mass the Ordinary of the Diocese of Kasese, Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale reaffirmed his earlier call for hard work against famine, illiteracy and poverty levels among Christians and the local community members.
Quoting the Creation Story in Genesis 1, Bishop Kibira reminded the Christians that they are co-creators with God who need to work hard through taking care of the creation if they were to be conquerors.
In his homily while presiding over Holy Mass on the feast day of St. Joseph the worker that also involved the inauguration of the Association in the Don 1st May 2023, Bishop Kibira reminded believers against laziness, wondering why Kasese people should keep importing food with the rich soils in the district.
Rt. Rev. Kibira said by merely claiming Kasese as theirs isn’t enough but the fight against laziness and empty discussions at trading centers, should be put to rest if they were to develop.
Bishop Kibira who described St. Joseph as a hardworking man of honor, called for respect for marriage before asking Christians to practice good parenthood by educating their children.
The Holy Trinity Kyalhumba Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Asaba Musungu re-echoed the bishop’s message quoting Pope Francis’ message in the encyclical letter Laudato Si, and appealed that every Christian plant ten trees monthly as a measure of protecting the environment.
The association Chairperson, Mr. Augustine Kuyamba commended the Bishop for clearing the idea that was started by Fr. Cosmas to increase men’s participation in Church work and individual development plans.
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