Holy Cross Lake View SSS Celebrates its 32nd Anniversary as the Congregation of Holy Cross, Province of East Africa, Ordains Four Religious into priesthood on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The celebration of our school’s 32nd Anniversary, together with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, was a great blessing for us at Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S as the Congregation of Holy Cross, Province of East Africa, ordained four of its members as priests: Rev. Fr. Bwanandeke Matayo, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. James Nyenza, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Ongezi Novert, C.S.C., and Rev. Fr. Kamushana Benjamin, C.S.C.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass began with the invocation of the Holy Cross Ancestors and all the Holy Saints of the Church, asking for their blessing upon the event led by Rev. Fr. David Eliona C.S.C.

Rev. Fr. Peter Qorro, C.S.C., Vocations Director, called each deacon by name, inviting them to accept their call, to which they all responded, “Here I am.”

This was followed by the presentation of the candidates by their parents, a moment rich in faith and symbolism.

In his homily, the Ordaining Bishop, Rt. Rev. Patrick M. Neary, C.S.C., Bishop of St. Cloud began by sharing a personal story about receiving an important message through social media, an experience that changed his life. He used this to highlight the need for diligence and prudent use of social media in our times. He reminded the ordinands that true priesthood is not about strength or perfection, but about embracing one’s weaknesses, cultivating intimacy with Christ through prayer, and embracing the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as emphasized by Pope Francis in his last encyclical Dilexit Nos.

He also urged the deacons to draw inspiration from the life and ministry of Pope Leo XIV, who, before his papacy, lived and served among the poor in the peripheries. He encouraged them to remain humble, approachable, and to serve God’s people with zeal, courage, and joy, making God known, loved, and served through both word and deed, reminding them that they had been called in Holy Cross and the Church to make God known, loved, and served. They should help people recognize that the Kingdom of God is within them and that the Holy Spirit dwells in their hearts once awakened. He explained that their responsibilities include presiding over liturgy, performing baptisms, officiating weddings, and conducting burials, among others.

Other rites included the examination of the candidates; on the vows of obedience, poverty, celibacy, and chastity, etc, which was followed by the Litany of the Saints and other parts of Mass that involved the active participation of the Holy Cross Anchors Choir that animated the liturgy.

The event was graced by the presence of Holy Cross religious brothers, priests, and sisters, along with members of other religious communities, and diocesan clergy led by Rev. Fr. Gerald Muto, Chancellor of the Diocese.

During the speeches, the Headteacher, Rev. Fr. Atukwatse Prosper, C.S.C., warmly welcomed all in attendance and congratulated the school on reaching its 32nd anniversary. He also led the congregation in a special moment of silence to pray for the soul of Akullo Patricia (S.4), who sadly lost her battle with sickle cell anemia while undergoing treatment at home on September 13th. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Rev. Fr. Prosper also extended heartfelt congratulations to Br. John Bailanda, C.S.C., and Rev. Fr. Willey Lukati, C.S.C., on the occasion of their jubilee celebrations. Additionally, he expressed deep gratitude to his predecessors, Br. John Flood, C.S.C., and Sr. Beatrice, C.S.C., for honoring the occasion with their presence, and thanked all who have made this event a success.

Rev. Fr Mukasa Francis CSC, the Parish priest of Bugembe, who was the Chairperson Organizing Committee, thanked the organizing committee and all the students of Holy Cross Lake View SSS for their co-operation for the success of this ordination. He later, through the Chairperson of Bugembe, handed over gifts to the newly ordained priest.

A representative of the Parents thanked everyone who had come for the ordination. He asked God to guide the new priests to be Perfect priests in the image of God.

The newly ordained priests gave a speech, represented by Rev. Fr. Bwanandeke Matayo, C.S.C. He thanked the Lord for His goodness and the Bishop for ordaining them. He also thanked the Provincial Superior, Rev. Fr. Peter Caxton Mayanja, C.S.C., the formators, spiritual directors, and the parents for raising them, as well as for traveling long distances to attend their ordination.

The Provincial Superior began with a quote: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.” He congratulated the priests upon reaching this milestone. He thanked them for their perseverance in the discernment, as well as Bishop Neary for ordaining them. He congratulated the school on marking 32 years of educational service. He gave them gifts. He later called on Rev. Fr.  James Burasa C.S.C.,who launched his recently released book entitled “The Charismatic And Institutional Dimensions of the Church: The paths to Renewal and Empowerment”

To conclude the speeches, Bishop Neary thanked Bishop Wamika Martin for allowing him to ordain the new priests. He also thanked the Headteacher and the staff for the work well done. He then handed over certificates to the newly ordained as a symbol that they are truly priests.

This was followed by a pictorial moment and a cake-cutting ceremony, which later ushered the guests into lunch.

APPRECIATION

The school administration extends heartfelt appreciation to the Priests and Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the Diocese of Jinja, the teaching and non-teaching staff of the school, members of the Board of Governors, the Parents-Teachers Association, the parishes where the newly ordained priests serve, parents, students and everyone who contributed in any way to the success of this event.

May God bless you all abundantly.

EDUCATION FOR SERVICE
AVE CRUX SPES UNICA