AMECEA/CCC: Successful Reintegration of a Child Calls for Collaboration of Stakeholders

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Entering the gate of Mr. Amos Kajatime’s home in Bulanga village under Iganga Parish, Jinja Diocese in Uganda, a team set for pilot reintegration of an orphaned child back to his family was welcomed by a crowd of Christians and community members awaiting Eucharistic celebration.

Two days after Deogracious’ birth, the mother died and the baby boy was institutionalized at St. Philomena Baby’s home, Iganga, leaving him under the care of Catholic nuns and his father who visited regularly. Two years later, Deogracious’ father died in a road accident when he was going for the child’s birthday in the baby’s home, leaving the toddler a total orphan.

The boy who was born in an Protestant family later received the Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic Church. This was after the boy’s father officially requested the Sisters to do so since it was the Catholic Church that saved the life of his son.

On Wednesday, March 20, at Mr. Kajatime’s home, the uncle of Deo as the boy was fondly called, the family and community witnessed a remarkable turn of events when reintegration of the child was marked with the celebration of his first Holy Communion, in the presence of government officials and members of the Church.

In his homily during the Eucharistic celebration, the Parish Priest of St. Peter Claver parish Iganga Fr. Mark Duggan Mulyanti stressed in reference to the psalmist in the scripture, “Whoever seeks and believes in God, shall not be forsaken,” (Psalm 9:10).

Referring to what the young Deo has gone through in life, Fr. Duggan highlighted that God is always a victor and whoever turns to him as Deo’s family has done, will always win.

Addressing Deo in his message during the Wednesday Eucharistic celebration, the Ugandan cleric said, “Deo never gives up, always trusts in God and prays unceasingly. Whatever you go through, always journey with your God, He is there for you and will never let you down,” The priest said and continued, “Remember you are a living testimony as God has touched you in his own way.”

On his part, Deo’s uncle who is caring for a big family including the orphaned children of his brother (Deo’s siblings) appreciates all that has happened in Deo’s life saying “It is because of God.”

“I thank the government of Uganda for their continued support to my family through the District Probation Officer. I thank St. Philomena Baby’s Home for the physical, social, Psychological, and educational support to Deo and my family, I thank the Catholic community who has been so supportive in the social and spiritual mentorship of Deo and his siblings and I am most grateful to my wife who has been very supportive and began caring for these orphans when she was just 18,” Mr. Kajatime who is a staunch Protestant expressed to hundreds of the congregants who attended the function.

He appreciated the resettlement process that was conducted by the management of St. Philomena Baby’s home noting that it has been a gradual process for some time, and this helped promote Deo’s socialization with family members.

“I am grateful for the several family strengthening programs we have done together with St. Philomena Baby’s Home like guiding and counseling, mentoring, physical and financial support which has enabled me pick the courage and carry this heavy load when I was almost giving up,” Mr. Kajatime a primary school teacher in one of the nearby schools disclosed.

He added, “It has been through these interventions that I have been in a position to greatly support all the orphans I stay with together with Deo’s siblings. I thank the Almighty God.”

He called upon well-wishers to continue supporting him to help the young children under his care have quality education and realize their dreams. At the same time, he asked the Catholic community to continue with the follow-up of Deo for his spiritual growth since he is the only Catholic in the family.

According to Deo in his appreciation message, St. Philomena Baby’s Home and the family and entire community have shaped his life.

“This is a great day moving from Baby’s home and now I am here at home with my family. I thank all those who have supported me and I pray God may bless them in whatever they are doing,” Deo who anticipants being a doctor or a Catholic priest in the future said addressing the congregation adding that, “I thank all the sisters who have supported me and have brought me up since I was a baby. God may bless you.”

Additionally, he continued, “I thank my parents for the work they have done. I thank the priests who have helped me to be spiritually nourished and I thank the community members for all that they have done for me. I promise to pass my exams.”