Fr. Clement Kpatcha Commends Kyanamira Parish Growth as It Celebrates Its Anniversary
KABALE — The Provincial Delegate of the Missionaries of Africa in Uganda, Rev. Fr. Clement Koffi Manzamesso Kpatcha, has commended the Catholic faithful of St. Francis of Assisi Kyanamira Parish for the remarkable growth and development achieved in just one year since its establishment.
Fr. Kpatcha made the remarks on Saturday during celebrations marking the parish’s first anniversary and the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The celebrations also featured a fundraising drive for the construction of the Mother Mary Shrine, with the faithful raising more than Sh8 million towards the project.
The shrine is estimated to cost Sh16 million, leaving about Sh8 million to complete the project.
Fr. Kpatcha praised the faithful for their commitment to developing the parish, saying their support had contributed to its spiritual and physical growth.
He noted that the parish has already played an important role in administering the sacraments and bringing many people closer to Jesus Christ.
He encouraged Christians to draw inspiration from the life of the Virgin Mary, particularly her faith, humility and perseverance in the face of challenges.
Fr. Kpatcha said Christians are pilgrims on earth and will inevitably encounter difficulties, but those who remain faithful to God can overcome challenges and prosper.
“Despite the challenges we face in life, if we remain with God, we shall prosper,” he told the faithful.
Fr. Kpatcha also applauded the Pope for appointing Rt. Rev. Bonaventure Gubazire as the new Bishop of Kabale Diocese.
Bishop-elect Gubazire, a member of the Missionaries of Africa, is expected to be officially installed as Bishop of Kabale Diocese on October 3 this year.
Fr. Kpatcha described him as an experienced church leader who has served the Church in different places and in various capacities. He cited his experience as Rector of the Missionaries of Africa in Ghana, saying this had equipped him with the leadership and administrative skills needed to serve the diocese effectively.
The Vicar General of Kabale Diocese, Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, urged Catholics to remain firmly rooted in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.
Msgr. Sunday cautioned the faithful against being swayed by the mushrooming number of pastors and teachings which, he warned, could lead Christians away from the true path of Christ.
The chief guest, Dr. Peter Ngategize, a former researcher at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, challenged parents to prioritise the education of their children, saying education is key to accessing opportunities.
Dr. Ngategize also urged residents of Kigezi to take advantage of business opportunities in the region, particularly the potential presented by the area’s iron-ore deposits.
The celebrations were attended by Hon. Bridget Asinga, NRM Chairperson for Kabale District; Prime Kemanzi, Kabale District Vice Chairperson; clergy, local leaders and Christians from Kyanamira and surrounding communities.
St. Francis of Assisi Kyanamira Parish was carved out of Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral Parish and is under the pastoral stewardship of the Missionaries of Africa, commonly known as the White Fathers.
The parish is led by Rev. Fr. Armel Somda as parish priest, assisted by Rev. Fr. Balthazard Buhalagarha Grace as curate
ENDS/////
