Kakira parishioners celebrate 75 years of Catholic mission

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Kakira parishioners celebrate 75 years of Catholic mission
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The Jinja Diocese temporarily relocated to Kakira on Saturday as the parish celebrated a platinum jubilee.

St Theresa Catholic Parish in Kakira, Jinja District on October 6 marked its 75th anniversary with a vibrant celebration filled with faith, gratitude, and a shared vision for the future.

The milestone was commemorated, bringing together parishioners, clergy, and dignitaries to reflect on the church's rich history and its enduring commitment to the community.

The celebrations, under the theme, "Celebrating 75 Years of Our Journey of Faith as a Parish," were graced by Charles Martin Wamika, the bishop of the Diocese of Jinja, who emphasized the importance of unity and the strength of faith in overcoming challenges.

"As we honor this milestone, let us remember our roots and celebrate the diversity that enriches our community," Bishop Wamika stated.

"Our parish has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families, and it is essential that we continue to embrace our mission with renewed vigor."

Trade minister Francis Mwebesa, who represented Vice-President Jessica Alupo, thanked Bishop Wamika for shepherding the diocese.

VP Alupo thanked the church for uniting the multiethnic community that is Kakira and opening schools to serve the parishioners.

 

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"It's commendable for the Parish to unite people regardless of their background since most of the Christians come from all parts of Uganda and all neighbouring countries," she said in the speech read. H Minister Mwebesa.

St Theresa Catholic Church, located at the foot of Mwiri Hill, was founded by the Mill Hill Missionaries in 1949.

The parish was at its infancy nursed by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, one of the three First Orders under the Catholic Church.

It has grown to attend to hundreds of thousands of parishioners and founded five primary schools.

The schools are St Theresa Primary School Kakira, St Jude Primary School Musoli, St Patrick Primary School Magamaga, and St Paul Primary School Lwambogo.

It also runs St Joseph Nursery and primary school under Sisters of St Joseph of Tarbes.

"I also thank the Parish for the work at St Peters Secondary School Igulubi, which is still under her jurisdiction," Alupo said.

The parish is currently working to build a new office block and Ms Alupo said looking at the old structure that has served the parish since its inception, "it is prudent that new offices are constructed to match the times and, most importantly, the needs of the growing population".

"I conclude with encouraging all Catholics to love and support your parish as portrayed by the life of St Theresa of the Child Jesus, your Patron Saint."

 

Fr Charles Osorit Omojong, the parish priest, highlighted the significance of this anniversary as a moment of thanksgiving.

"This celebration is a great act of gratitude to God for the many blessings we have received over the past 75 years," he said.

"Each baptized person is a living stone in the structure of the living God, and every church is a promised land, a place of peace and prayer."

The event was not only a reflection on the past but also a call to action for the future.

Fr. John Fortunate Baluku, the Superior of the Capuchins in Uganda, encouraged the congregation to take inspiration from the Ugandan martyrs, whose faith was sealed with action.

"If they had not sealed their faith with concrete action, who would have remembered them?" he asked, urging parishioners to deepen their faith and strengthen their commitment to service.

Parishioners expressed their excitement and pride during the festivities.

"I have been a member of this parish for over 20 years, and seeing how much we’ve grown fills me with joy," said Janet Nuwagaba, 45.

"This celebration reminds us of the strong foundation we have and the community we have built together."

Children from the parish choir added to the jubilant atmosphere with uplifting hymns, reinforcing the theme of unity and celebration.

The message from Fr. Isiko Ronald, Pastoral Coordinator, resonated deeply with attendees.

"As we look to the future, may we continue to be inspired by the legacy of those who came before us. Let us rise to meet the challenges of our time with the same spirit of faith, service, and unity that has sustained us for 75 years,” he said

In his closing remarks, Bishop Wamika laid out a vision for the next chapter of the parish’s journey.

He proposed several challenges for the future, including deepening faith through consistent prayer, strengthening community ties, and empowering the youth.

"Kakira is challenged to be a model parish, especially to newly opened parishes, given her age now," he stated.

The celebration concluded with a prayer, uniting the congregation in hope and gratitude.

"Today is a day of gratitude to God for all His blessings," Fr. Omojong said.

"Let us continue to share the light of Christ, for faith in Jesus lights our journey,” he said.

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