The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lugazi has marked 29 years of evangelization with a strong appeal to Christians to embrace prayer, sacrifice and support for the less fortunate during the Lenten season.
Presiding over a thanksgiving Mass at Queen of Peace Church on Sunday, Bishop Christopher Kakooza urged the faithful to use the Lent period as an opportunity to strengthen their spiritual lives and grow closer to Christ.
“Fasting should help us renew our relationship with God and with one another,” Bishop Kakooza said. “Let us stand with the needy, make sacrifices, and remain united in prayer so that we may secure eternal life.”
He emphasized three pillars to guide Christians during the Lent period: deepening prayer, extending charity to the vulnerable and making personal sacrifices as a sign of commitment to the Creator.
Reflecting on the diocese’s journey since its establishment in 1997, Bishop Kakooza noted significant progress in pastoral outreach.
He highlighted the creation of new parishes, which has reduced the long distances many Christians previously traveled to attend Mass.
At the start of the celebration, the Holy Bible was ushered into the church wrapped in fish as a symbolic gesture recognizing the vibrant fishing activities that support many livelihoods within the diocese, particularly along Lake Victoria, Lake Kyoga and the River Nile.
Kyagwe Deputy Chief Moses Ssenyonjo commended the diocese for its continued contribution to the spiritual and social development of the Buganda Kingdom. He called on Christians to promote unity and moral values within their communities.
Ssenyonjo also urged residents of Kyagwe to embrace development programmes initiated by Mengo, including supporting Oluwalo community contribution initiatives and Buganda-based nursery schools, among others.
Representing the government, Higher Education Minister John Chrysestom Muyingo applauded the Church for its role in providing education and health services, particularly to children and underserved populations.
Muyingo said the government, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, plans to revamp traditional church-founded schools, acknowledging their commendable role in shaping the lives of many Ugandans.
The celebrations drew hundreds of faithful, clergy and local leaders, reflecting the diocese’s enduring influence in spiritual guidance and community development.