The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Severus Jjumba, has urged Catholic faithful to draw inspiration from the life of the Virgin Mary, describing her as a model of faith, responsible motherhood and selfless service.

Bishop Jjumba made the call on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, during Mass at Kitovu Cathedral in Masaka as Catholics celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The feast commemorates the Catholic belief that Mary was taken into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life.

Bishop Jjumba said Mary’s life provides an important example for parents, particularly in raising children with faith, discipline and strong values.

He described her as a devoted mother who cared for and nurtured Jesus Christ while remaining faithful to God.

“Let’s pray that Mother Mary intercedes for us because she is the mirror of how we shall look like at the end of our life,” he said.

The bishop urged parents to take an active role in shaping their children’s character, saying families have a responsibility to raise future leaders who can contribute positively to society.

He also cautioned parents against giving more attention to girls while neglecting boys, stressing that both require equal care, guidance and support.

“You tend to focus on a girl child and abandon the boys. After raising your girls, they will end up marrying those boys you don’t take care of,” he said.

Bishop Jjumba said raising children should not be left to one parent, but should be a shared responsibility between mothers and fathers.

“A child is for both parents; don’t leave all responsibilities for one person,” he said.

He recalled visiting a school where he found some boys poorly groomed, questioning why parents would allow their children to leave home without adequate care.

The bishop also encouraged families to use God’s creation responsibly and preserve resources for future generations.

The celebrations were attended by the Lands, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Judith Nabakooba, who was expected to join Catholic women from Nkoni Deanery for their celebrations on Sunday.

Nabakooba backed the bishop’s call for responsible parenting, urging families and communities to work together in educating and nurturing children.

She also asked the faithful to pray for their leaders, particularly those involved in planning and delivering public services.

“Pray for your leaders and put it at the back of your minds that you are pilgrims on this earth. Any day you might join your Creator, but also pause and reflect on whether your actions will enable you,” she said.

The minister encouraged Christians to live purposeful lives while remaining mindful of their spiritual responsibilities.

She further called on Church leaders to help connect communities to government programmes designed to improve household incomes, including Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Nabakooba said religious institutions are well placed to mobilise communities and encourage them to take advantage of government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.

The Feast of the Assumption is one of the Catholic Church’s major celebrations and honours the belief that the Virgin Mary was assumed into heaven at the end of her earthly life.