UGANDA: Rushoroza Cathedral Parish Celebrates 100Years.
Masereka Peter
Catholics have been called upon to stir up the faith which they received as Our Lady of Good Shepherd, Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale municipality celebrate the centenary jubilee amidst high tight security.
Rushoroza Cathedral Parish is the first Catholic Parish in the entire Kigezi region, established on 1st November 1923 following it separation from Kitabi seminary, now part of Mbarara arch Diocese.
Originally founded by Yowana Kitagana in 1912, the parish became the seat for the Kabale Catholic Diocese, covering all districts in the Kigezi region
The commemorative event, marked by unity and spiritual fervor, commenced with a Holy Mass led by Luigi Bianco, the Papal Nuncio to Uganda, and Bishop Rt. Reverend Callist Rubaramira of Kabale Diocese.
Rushoroza Cathedral was founded in November 1923, and owes its establishment to Bishop Henri Streicher, a Roman Catholic missionary who served as the Vicar Apostolic of Uganda.
Rushoroza Parish became a Cathedral Parish in 1966 when Kabale Diocese was erected having been curved from the greater Mbarara vicariate. It is called Cathedral Parish because it houses the seat of the Bishop called Cathedra.
Speaking during the centenary celebrations, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira urged the Christians to embrace the chosen theme, “Stir into the flame the Gift of God that you have.”
Bishop Callist urged the Parishioners of Rushoroza and all the people of God to stir up the faith which they received at baptism as St. Paul urges his spiritual son Timothy (2 Tim 1:6). He requested the Parish priest and his pastoral team to continue the work of evangelization and apostolate of visiting people.
As people of God, you are urged to be near Jesus so that you enjoy the warmth of love, and after receiving this warmth, you must take it to others too. Let this celebration be an opportunity for us to reignite the flame of the divine gifts bestowed upon us – Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira.
In his remarks, H.E Luigi Bianco, the Papal Nuncio to Uganda who presided the Mass thanked the parishioners of Rushoroza and congratulated them upon making 100 years in faith as a parish. He then delivered Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis to the Parishioners of Rushoroza Cathedral.
In a heartfelt message delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo, President Yoweri Museveni praised the missionaries for their transformative impact on societies and their enduring inspiration for churches to pursue development agendas.
H.E Alupo said the missionaries played a crucial role in transforming societies, and their influence continues to inspire churches to contribute to development, adding calling on church leaders to mobilize against poverty by aligning with government development programs.
She said the Church leaders should join hands with the government to fight poverty and contribute to the development of our nation,” urged President Museveni.
The centenary celebration drew the presence of local leaders who commended Kabale Diocese for its significant role in championing regional development.
Amidst the festivities, Christians expressed joy over the diocese’s achievements and pledged continued support for the church’s mission, saying they were overjoyed by the achievements of the diocese.
“We commit to supporting the mission in the years to come,” shared Sam Arineitwe, a jubilant Christian.
During the celebratory function, over shs200 million was raised in both cash and pledges for the cathedral’s upgrade which President Museveni contributed shs50 million. END
