KABALE – Preparations are in high gear for the centenary celebrations of Rushoroza Cathedral Parish, the current seat for Kabale Catholic Diocese in Kabale District, covering the entire Kigezi region.
President Yoweri Museveni has confirmed his attendance to the bishop of the diocese, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira
as the Guest of Honor, according to Rev Fr. Austin Christmas, the parish priest.
Established on November 1, 1923, Rushoroza cathedral parish is the first Catholic parish in Kigezi, originating from Kitabi Parish in Bushenyi District, now part of the Mbarara Archdiocese.
The parish began when Yowana Kitegana arrived in 1912, establishing the first church where priests from Kitabi seminary would administer sacraments.
The Mass, tomorrow at Our Lady of Good Shepherd, Rushoroza Cathedral Parish, Kabale Municipality, will be presided over by H.E. Luigi Bianco, Papal Nuncio to Uganda.
Fr. Christmas emphasized that the celebrations commemorate the parish’s establishment, bringing people closer to the minister, celebrating the gift of faith.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Engineer Januarius Turinawe Bagamuhunda, expects over 7000 believers, including those from outside Uganda, reflecting on Christianity’s regeneration over the past century.
“We expect many believers to attend the event which will reflect on how Christianity across the country has regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit over the past century” said Bagamuhunda
He further noted that over that period, Kabale diocese has witnessed the lord’s amazing work from 1923 to 2023, an amazing work from generation to Generation where more and more churches have been planted.
Engineer Denis Twesigomwe, on the steering committee, highlighted Kabale diocese’s contributions to spiritual growth, mentioning Catholic Charismatic renewal centers and outstanding educational institutions.
“In Late 60’s to 90’s people were much involved in witchcraft but under Catholic Charismatic renewal which promotes prayer, repentance and salvation, they have been able to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ “Said Twesigomwe
Twesigomwe reinstated that Kabale diocese has for years heightened Spiritual Growth by planting two Catholic Charismatic renewal centers; namely, Jesus the good Shepherd Kiniogo Kabale and Word of God retreat Center Nyakibale in Rukungiri district.
He added that the church has empowered citizens through quality education by establishing the country’s outstanding schools, namely Immaculate Heart Girls School S.S.S Nyakibale Rukungiri, St. Mary’s College S.S.S Rushoroza Kabale, Bishop Comboni College Kambuga, Mutorele SSS Kisoro, and formation centers like St. Paul’s Seminary Kabale, St. Adrian’s Seminary Rubanda and St. Charles Lwanga Seminary Rukungiri and the newly established St. Ignatius University Kabale.
Wilfred Niwagaba, Ndorwa East Member of Parliament and alumnus of St. Paul’s Seminary Rushoroza, congratulated Kabale diocese for 100 years of faith, acknowledging their impact on both gospel preaching and running health and educational facilities, improving people’s lives.
“The diocese has not only preached the Gospel but has also run a number of health and educational facilities which have improved peoples live hoods”. Niwagaba Stated.
