Joy : Ordination of Two Holy Cross Priests and Seven Deacons at Lubaga Cathedral

Two fresh Holy Cross priests and seven deacons were ordained at Lubaga Cathedral in Kampala on August 31, 2023.

The Archbishop of Kampala archdiocese, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, presided over the ordination ceremony. The candidates belonged to the congregation of Holy Cross, East Africa Province, which encompasses Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and other countries in East Africa. This congregation has additional provinces throughout Africa and beyond.

All the candidates ordained on this day were from Uganda, representing various dioceses such as Kampala, Jinja, Hoima, Kasese, Fort Portal, Masaka, and others. During the ordination, Archbishop Ssemogerere delivered a homily urging the newly ordained priests and deacons to remain dedicated to the work of Jesus Christ, who called them. He emphasized that their calling was not for personal pleasure but to wholeheartedly serve God and His Church.

Reflecting on the priestly ministry, the Archbishop advised the newly ordained to place strong trust in the Holy Spirit as their guide. He also encouraged them to seek intercession from the Blessed Virgin Mary, who holds a special role as the mother of priests. Archbishop Ssemogerere stressed the importance of prayer, trust in Mary, and seeking guidance from the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph throughout their priestly journey.

Furthermore, Archbishop Ssemogerere highlighted the importance of obedience, cooperation, and respect towards their superiors within the congregation. He commended the superiors for their support during the candidates’ studies and formation, emphasizing the need for unity and harmony in serving the peaceful Kingdom of God.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Cyprian Binaka, CSC, the Provincial Superior for the Province of East Africa, expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere for graciously accepting to ordain the Holy Cross candidates at the prominent cathedral of the province. He also thanked Fr. Achilles Mayanja, the cathedral administrator, and his administration for warmly welcoming them for the ordination ceremony. The presence of Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, the Bishop of Masaka diocese, was appreciated, along with the support of the ordainees’ families and relatives.

In his concluding remarks, Fr. Binaka thanked the ordinands for their dedication, obedience, sacrifice, and prayerfulness that led them to this victorious moment in their ordination. He encouraged them to continue exhibiting these qualities in their ministry. The seven deacons ordained were Rev. Deacons Vincent Balikuddembe, CSC, Isabirye Emmanuel, Nganda Joachim, Herimence Ahimbisibwe, Ahuniriza Innocent, Alinaitwe Douglas, and Rev. Dn. Kule Martin, CSC.

The Mass was beautifully accompanied by the Echoes Of Mercy Choir from the Holy Cross Parish Bugembe, Jinja Catholic Diocese, known for their angelic voices. Congratulations to the final professed candidates and the newly ordained deacons and priests of the Holy Cross Congregation. “AVE CRUX, SPES UNICA.”