Bishop Patrick M. Neary Confirms Students in Catholic Faith at Holy Cross Lake View SSS

The Most Reverend Bishop Patrick Michael Neary, C.S.C., presided over a Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, during which 23 students and one teacher received the Sacrament of Confirmation, fortifying their baptismal grace through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and deepening their growth in faith.

In his inspiring homily, Bishop Neary, C.S.C., reminded the confirmed students of Holy Cross Lake View SSS and St. Benedict Grade School that they had experienced their first Pentecost and encouraged them to spread the Holy Spirit’s message to those around them. He prayed fervently for God’s blessings and guidance in their lives, urging them to emulate Christ’s teachings and live as children of God.

The Senior Four and Senior Six candidates of Holy Cross Lake View SSS, along with the Primary Seven candidates of St. Benedict Grade School, received Bishop Neary’s apostolic blessing. He prayed for their success in the forthcoming final examinations, invoking God’s wisdom, good health, knowledge, and understanding upon each of them.

The ceremony brought blessings but also was a time of gratitude to Bishop Neary for six years of dedicated service to HCLV SSS as Chairman Board of Directors.  A complex comprising the school main hall, the kitchen, and dining hall was officially named Bishop Patrick M. Neary C.S.C. Complex in recognition of his selfless efforts, and love for our school.

The school headteacher Rev. Fr. Prosper Atukwatse, C.S.C., also handed his gift of an iconic painting to express the school’s gratitude for his love for the school.

During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., was joined by several of his brothers in the Congregation of Holy Cross, including Rev. Fr. Prosper Atukwatse, C.S.C., Headteacher; Rev. Fr. Mukasa Francis, C.S.C., Parish Priest of Bugembe Parish; Rev. Fr. Nicodemus Kisonga, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Kajubi Henry, C.S.C.,  Rev. Fr. Leonard Olobo, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Innocent Ahuniriza, C.S.C.,  Rev. Fr. Douglas Alinaitwe, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Ssali Robert, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Salongo Stephen, C.S.C.,  Rev. Fr. Linus Nviri, C.S.C., Fr. Patrick Okuthe, C.S.C., Deacon Bwanadeke Matayo, C.S.C., Deacon Kamushana Benjamin, C.S.C., Deacon Ogezi Novert, C.S.C., and Deacon Nyenza James, C.S.C., along with other esteemed Holy Cross priests.

Following the celebration of the Holy Mass, Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., imparted his blessing and formally inaugurated two new state-of-the-art dormitories: the Baraka Bouts Girls’ Dormitory and the Deacon Erogi, C.S.C., Boys’ Dormitory. These amenities will promote the well-being and safety of students through enhanced, spacious facilities designed to foster a nurturing, family-oriented environment.

Finally in joyful thanksgiving for the gift of the Sacrament of Confirmation, the newly confirmed students were joined by their parents in a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony, marking their spiritual maturity and shared journey of faith. This moment of festivity allowed the wider school community to witness and rejoice in the beauty of faith, the sanctity of family, offering gratitude to God for the good collaboration between the school and the parents as co-educators in the faith, who continue to nurture their children faith, morals and in the life of grace.

About Bishop Patrick M. Neary C.S.C

 Born on March 6th,1963, in La Porte, Indiana, Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., was ordained a priest in 1992 and served in various missionary assignments in Chile and East Africa.

In East Africa, Bishop Neary ministered as a formator, leader and District Superior of the then Holy Cross District of East Africa. During his tenure, he also served as Chair of the Board of Directors of our school, a period marked by tremendous growth and development for our campus. His leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the school into the thriving institution it is today.

After completing his missionary service in East Africa, Fr. Neary returned to the United States, where he served as a pastor before being appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud.

EDUCATION FOR SERVICE

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