Thousands of Christians have gathered at the Our lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Parish Cathedral in Kabale District to celebrate the 100-year anniversary since its establishment in November 1923.
Under the theme “Stir into Flame the Gift of God That You Have,” derived from 2 Timothy 1:6, the event that began with Mass was led by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, His Excellency Archbishop Luigi Bianco, on Sunday January, 7 2024.
Rt. Rev Callistus Rubaramira, the Bishop of the Kabale Archdiocese, urged Christians to view this centenary celebration as a “wonderful opportunity to express gratitude to God for the gift of faith that we cherish.”
He emphasized the importance of nurturing and preserving this faith, hoping that it would continue to flourish among all believers.
Bishop Rubaramira also cautioned those in leadership positions, like government officials, ministers, and Members of Parliament, not to take their responsibilities for granted. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their roles, leading by example and serving as beacons of faith to their communities.
The celebrations boasted several guests, including the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri K Museveni on this momentous occasion, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives David Bahati, Deputy Director General of Internal Security Organization, Lt. Col Emmanuel Katabazi, Ampeire Pauline, the Miss Kigezi tourism, Priests and Nuns from different walks of life, and many others.
Together, they expressed solidarity with the parishioners and rejoiced in the rich history of Rushoroza Parish.
This landmark event served as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and its ability to unite and uplift communities throughout the years.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT RUSHOROZA PARISH
Originally part of the greater Mbarara Archdiocese, the roots of Rushoroza Parish date back to the time of Bishop Henri Streicher, also known as “Stensera,” a prominent Catholic missionary in Africa who played a crucial role in ordaining the first African Catholic priests. It was through his efforts that missionaries were sent to Rushoroza, with Yohana Kitagana being the first to arrive in 1910. Known as “Murevu” by the locals due to his long beard, Kitagana, along with other devoted catechists, built a small church in Rushoroza.
Kitagana is remembered for his unwavering faith, apostolic zeal, and ascetic lifestyle. He had tremendous love and compassion for the people, especially the needy and sick, whom he treated with local herbal remedies.
On November 1, 1923, Bishop Streicher officially announced the establishment of the Rushoroza mission under the protection of Our Lady of the Good Shepherd.
