There are realities in the Church that the mind can study and the heart can feel, but which only eternity can fully explain. Priesthood is one such reality. It is a mystery.
As I mark my 18th anniversary of priestly ordination, I confess before God and His people that I have not fully understood this mystery. Each day, I kneel and pray the same prayer: “Lord, reveal to me the depths of this mystery, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, teach me to live it as you will, not as I wish.”
St John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, once described priesthood as “the love of the heart of Jesus.” If the love of Christ is infinite, then the priesthood that carries that love must also be infinite and beyond full human comprehension.
The Banyankole-Bakiga have a proverb: “Obutsya nibwira bwinganisa omwana na nyina” — as time goes on, a girl becomes a mother like her mother. In a spiritual sense, this proverb beautifully captures the journey of formation and priesthood.
In 2021-2022, Fr Cyril was a major seminarian undertaking his pastoral spiritual year. We were together at St Adrian’s Seminary, where we participated in the formation of young seminarians. I remember him as humble, community-minded, diligent in small duties and faithful in the hidden hours of prayer.
Today, by the grace of God and through the laying on of hands, that seminarian has become a priest. The one who was once being formed has now become a spiritual father in Christ.
Congratulations, Fr Cyril, on your priestly ordination. Thank you for your resilience and perseverance. But remember, the journey has only begun. You have now entered priesthood in action through pastoral ministry.
Scripture gives us a clear picture of the identity of a priest. Hebrews 5:1 says: “Every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.”
The priest is taken from among the people and appointed to serve them, but his gaze must always remain fixed on God. St Peter similarly reminds Christians that they are being built into a spiritual house and called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
The priest therefore stands at the altar not for himself, but to offer worship to God and to sanctify His people.
St Augustine famously said: “For you I am a bishop; with you I am a Christian.” In the same spirit, Fr Cyril, for the people you are a priest; with them, you remain a pilgrim journeying towards heaven.
Ordination is not a promotion. It is a consecration.
Through ordination, you are set apart and marked with the character of Christ, the High Priest. This setting apart is both a dignity and a responsibility. It calls you to serve faithfully, humbly and wholeheartedly.
Therefore, be diligent in your duties. Daily Mass, confession, anointing of the sick and preaching the Word are not merely tasks to be completed. They are encounters with Christ, who acts through the priest in persona Christi.
St John Paul II wrote in Pastores Dabo Vobis that the priest is “a man taken from among men and ordained for the service of men.” Fr Cyril, you are invited and challenged to live this calling with joy and humility.
There is a hidden law in priestly life: when one falls deeply in love with God, every other love finds its proper place. This does not mean that we love people less. Rather, when Christ is first, our love for the Church, the poor and all those entrusted to our care becomes purer and more selfless.
Be for God, and God will be for you.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). He will sustain you in lonely moments, parish conflicts and periods of spiritual dryness.
St Thérèse of Lisieux said: “Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be.” This is both the daily struggle and the daily grace of the priest.
Fr Cyril, you began your journey as a seminarian sweeping compounds and teaching catechism to young children. Scripture reminds us: “Do not despise the day of small beginnings” (Zechariah 4:10).
The mustard seed grows into a great tree. The boy who offered five loaves and two fish became part of the miracle through which thousands were fed. Your priesthood may be new, but it carries an eternal responsibility.
Be faithful in small things, and Christ will entrust you with greater things (Luke 16:10).
Our gratitude must also go to parents. Parents, continue to support and encourage your children, for among them are future men and women who will make a great contribution to the Church and the nation.
Your “yes” to allowing a child to enter the seminary can become a “yes” to God’s plan for generations.
In a special way, we thank the parents of Fr Cyril. As catechists, they planted the seed of priesthood in his heart from an early age. A catechist’s home can indeed become a seminary in miniature.
To all those who have supported Fr Cyril from childhood until this day — relatives, teachers, benefactors and formators — may God repay you a hundredfold, as promised in Mark 10:30.
To the formators and teachers who guided him through his discernment, your role has been invaluable. You cooperated with the Holy Spirit in fulfilling what St Paul told the Corinthians: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Fr Cyril, welcome to the mystery of priesthood.
You will never exhaust this mystery, but you will be transformed by it. Every sacrifice of the Mass will teach you something that no book can fully contain. Every confession you hear will challenge, break and heal your heart. Every visit to the sick will remind you that Christ is the true Priest who continues to work through His ministers.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, and St John Vianney, patron of parish priests, walk with you. May the Holy Spirit who anointed you keep the fire of your vocation burning brightly.
“You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:6).
Live it. Love it. Allow it to consume you for Christ and His people.
Congratulations, Fr Cyril Arthur Ayebazibwe!
The Writer Rev Fr Mathias Kwehangana, is a formator at St. Charles Lwanga Seminary Nyakibale in Rukungiri District.
WHO IS FR AYEBAZIBWE CYRIL ARTHUR?
Fr Ayebazibwe Cyril Arthur was born on April 28, 1997, to Mr Twebazoomwe Christopher and Mrs Twinomuhangi Esther of Kanyante Village, Kibuga Sub-county in Kabale District.
At the time of his birth, his parents were catechists stationed at Rwanyena, where they were responsible for preparing catechumens. Fr Arthur is the seventh of 11 children—five boys and six girls.
Why Three Names?
Fr Arthur has three names, chosen by his parents out of a desire to establish a family naming tradition while also drawing inspiration from two great historical personalities.
According to his parents, the names Arthur and Cyril were inspired by King Arthur of Great Britain and St Cyril of Jerusalem.
“The two personalities, King Arthur of Great Britain and St Cyril of Jerusalem, were great people during their times. I wanted my son to imitate them and, in future, become a great person like them,” his parents explained.
They also wanted to give him a unique name to avoid the duplication of names that was common in the village at the time.
As a child, Fr Arthur was sometimes referred to as “Boy” to conceal his real name and maintain its uniqueness.
He grew up under the care of his parents, as well as religious and community members, largely because of the nature of his parents’ work as catechists.
Academic Journey
Fr Arthur started school in 2004 at the age of seven at Karujanga Primary School. He loved school and rarely missed classes.
In 2007, his parents were transferred to Rwanyena Parish as head catechist, prompting him to complete his upper primary education at Rwanyena Primary School.
He completed primary education in 2010, having consistently performed exceptionally well. He was often the top pupil in his class and was widely recognised for his academic discipline and determination. He spent more time concentrating on his studies than on playing or joking.
From 2011 to 2014, Arthur attended St Adrian’s Seminary Rubanda, where he continued to excel academically. He was among the outstanding candidates in the Uganda Certificate of Education examinations.
Between 2015 and 2016, he attended St Paul’s Seminary Rushoroza for his Advanced Level education. Although attending the seminary was not initially his personal wish, priests and family members who recognised his potential encouraged him to pursue the path.
He embraced their decision, performed well at A-Level and was subsequently admitted to Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary Alokolum.
From 2017 to 2020, Arthur studied Philosophy and Social Sciences at Alokolum National Major Seminary. During his formation, he developed and demonstrated various skills, talents and gifts that prepared him for service to the Church and the wider community.
Between 2021 and 2022, he undertook his pastoral year at St Adrian’s Seminary Rubanda, where he served as a teacher and formator. He distinguished himself through sincerity, integrity and passion for service.
He was later admitted to St Paul’s National Major Seminary Kinyamatsika to pursue theological studies.
From 2022 to 2026, Fr Arthur studied theology and completed his formation with outstanding results, earning a credit and recommendation for Holy Orders.
During the long holidays of his seminary formation, he was posted to different parishes, where he undertook pastoral work and gained practical experience. These included Kakore, Makiro, Kinanira, Sooko and Christ the King parishes.
Spiritual Journey
Fr Arthur developed a love for spiritual movements from childhood, particularly the Xaverians, Charismatic Renewal and St Jude Thaddeus devotion.
These movements played an important role in shaping his spiritual life and preparing him for service to others. He was especially attached to the Xaverian Movement and made his first commitment to the movement in 2009. The movement’s emphasis on love became an important part of his spiritual journey.
Whenever he spoke about seminary formation, Arthur often shared experiences and lessons from the spiritual directors who guided him.
Among those who influenced his formation were Fr Charles Olweny of Gulu Archdiocese, Fr Valentine Banduni of Arua Diocese and Fr John Baptist Kiggundu of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.
Even while at home, Fr Arthur was surrounded by priests who offered guidance, encouragement and spiritual companionship throughout his journey.
Hobbies and Community Service
Fr Arthur loves sports, interacting with people, listening to music, adventure, constructive conversations, counselling and guidance.
During holidays, he would mobilise, organise and empower Catholic youth to become self-reliant. He initiated several youth organisations and projects, some of which continue to benefit young people.
Among the initiatives associated with him are the Kabimbiri Catholic Church Piggery Project, the Katuna Border Football Team, later known as Katuna Icons, the Kibuga Catholic Youth Fraternity and the Rwanyena Parish Major and Minor Seminarians group, which existed before the creation of Karujanga Parish.
His commitment to youth empowerment reflected his desire to see young people develop their talents, become self-reliant and contribute positively to their communities.
Attributes
Fr Arthur is described as humble, responsible, respectful, open, kind, constructive, affable, optimistic, cheerful and loving.
He is also known for his sense of humour and ability to interact freely with people. These qualities, according to his family, have contributed to shaping him into the person he is today—Fr Arthur Cyril Ayebazibwe.
To those who meet and live with him, he is considered a treasure, valued for his warmth, generosity and willingness to serve.
