The Holy door hasbeen opened again for you especially in this year’s jubilee year theme, being Pilgrims of hope, given to us by Pope Francis, and that reflects back to the cause of this beautiful Newly opened cathedral.
Newly Inaugurated Our Lady of Snows Cathedral Virika.
In an overwhelming spirit, thousands of Catholics and other believers from Fort Portal Diocese and beyond, Congregated at Our Lady of the Snows Virika Cathedral for its inauguration, blessing and Reopening ceremony.
The glorious ceremony that began at 10am yesterday On 2nd March 2025, marked by a colorful procession, solemn prayers and dedication sessions was led by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, His Excellency Luigi Bianco signifying its greatness in the Catholic Church.
H.E Luigi Bianco Delivering his homily to the Christians yesterday at Virika
Delivering the Homily, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, His Excellency Luigi Bianco Who was also the main celebrant urged the faithful in the Fort Portal Diocese to make the most of the newly restored Our Lady of the Snows Virika Cathedral for prayers and faith, likening its restoration to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, which was dedicated For the greater glory of God.
H. E Luigi Bianco in Procession for mass with other bishops and Priests
He also highlighted the timely inauguration of the cathedral, noting that its Holy Door had been reopened during this Jubilee year in which other Holy doors of Basilicas were opened, as declared by the Pope under the theme: Pilgrims of Hope.
In speeches , the Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, expressed gratitude to the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda H.E Luigi Bianco for inaugurating and blessing the Cathedral, not forgetting the faithful for their generosity in restoring it.
Bishop Muhiirwa Also echoed the Nuncio’s emphasis on the cathedral’s special role, where the Bishop sits to make important decisions for the Diocese, and encouraged the faithful to respect it, support other ongoing projects such as the Virika Presbytery which currently does not meet the standards of the new Cathedral.
Priests, Religious and Christians listening and feeling the Lord’s presence in the Newly inaugurated cathedral yesterday.
In a written Letter read by the Chief guest, President Yoweri Museveni, through Her Excellency Jessica Alupo the Vice president, congratulated the Diocese of Fort Portal upon continuing the legacy of Bishop McCauley C.S.C, the first bishop of the Diocese.
In the same letter , President Kaguta, noted that the restored Cathedral draws a sign of faith and hardwork by the people of God; appealing to the spiritual leaders to preach too, the message of hardwork and poverty alleviation among their followers. He finally supported the inaguration ceremony of the Cathedral with Ugx 30 million in cash.
The ceremony was Graced by Bishops: Egidio Nkaijanabwo (Emeritus Bishop of the diocese of Kasese), Callisto Rubaramira of Kabale, Robert K. Muhiirwa the host & Bishops Reuben Kisembo of Rwenzori Diocese , Barnabas Tibaijuka of West Ruwenzori, priests and religious men and women from various communities in Uganda and Beyond.
