UGANDA: Priestly Vocation is a Fruit of Discernment, says Bishop Kibira to Seminarian in Uganda
Bishop Kibira with Teachers from Different Schools at St. John Seminary
Masereka Peter
The Ordinary of the Diocese of Kasese Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale has challenged minor seminarians never to be forced by anyone to become Priests but use the time in seminary to discern and search for their own vocation.
Bishop Kibira advised the public to change the perception of describing seminarians as future priests, elaborating that studying at the seminary doesn’t necessarily mean that one must be a priest; rather, it prepares them to discover different Vocations though discernment and prayers.
He added that the seminary does not only protect seminarians from the contagion of the world, train in the quality of being religious, and foster in students the seed of a divine vocation; it also trains them to become responsible citizens.
The prelate called for focus and hard work among the young people as they pursue different vocation and professional through education if their future was to bear fruits.
He reminded the young people specifically students that God had a plan for them for as long as they seek his interventions in all they do.
In his speech shortly after presiding over a Eucharistic celebration on 5 October, 2024 at St. John Minor Seminary where more than 150 learners were confirmed in the Catholic Church, Bishop Kibira who described teachers as white canes to students, asked the young people to set goals, seek for Christ’s guidance and distance themselves from acts of immorality if they were to secure their future.
Bishop Kibira, who urged parents to take education as an investment, challenged students to focus on their family background and work towards improving the future of their homesteads after excelling in education.
The Rector St. John Minor Seminary Kiburara, Rev. Fr. Francis Kojo Kule, called for Discipline and hard work among students.
In his homily, Bishop Kibira tasked parents and guardians to double their efforts and prioritize education he says Kasese district received decades late compared to other areas in Uganda, calling on parents and guardians to perceive education as a fundamental tool to change the living conditions of their families.
The Pastor later asked the Nsenyi Parish, Christians and the Education department in the Diocese to closely support St. Theresa girls’ secondary school he said was a diocesan own brain established to promote education among the girl child.
The Rector for St. John Minor Seminary-Kiburara, Rev. Fr. Francis Kule Kojo, asked the office of the Pastoral coordinator in Diocese of Kasese to role similar confirmation programs in schools outside Bukonzo County East for the good of the church.
Earlier, the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Baluku Sunday, asked parents and guardians to pray for the success of their children, alongside providing the scholastic requirements. END
