Holy Cross Week Crowned by Remembering President Bill Clinton’s Visit to Wanyange

Holy Cross Week March 2025

This year’s Holy Cross week was marked by several special memorable moments at Holy Cross Lake View, it all started with seeing inspirational Holy Cross men in black habits on campus practically engaged in serving the school and inspiring a deeper sense of community and prayer to ushering in the feast of St. Joseph (feast day of Holy Cross brothers); the school community joyfully embraced the love, unity and family sense of our Holy Cross educators (Priests and Brothers) who took over the whole week’s duty to exemplify service as a way how they educate hearts in Holy Cross. On Monday, these men with hope to bring addressed the assembly, encouraging the school community to work together to ensure a successful week.

Throughout the week, they supervised the school’s daily activities, including mealtimes. Witnessing their humility and dedication to serving others has been a valuable lesson for us all, reminding us of the example set by our Lord Jesus.

Tuesday and Thursday were also special days when we had morning prayers led in a Holy Cross way! The daily prayer of the breviary. Adding to the communal masses on Wednesday and Sunday. 

Feast of St. Joseph; Patron of Holy Cross Brothers

On 19th March 2025, the Mother Church commemorates the feast of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Cross Congregation too celebrates the feast of St. Joseph.  This day was celebrated with a sacrifice of mass in Andre Hall. Father Salongo Stephen, C.S.C., led the celebration, accompanied by co-celebrants Father Kisonga Nicodemus, C.S.C., Father Douglas Alinaitwe, C.S.C., and Father Henry Kajubi Ssenteza,C.S.C. In his inspiring homily, Father Salongo encouraged the school community to emulate St. Joseph’s example, who selflessly accepted Jesus as his son and Mary as his wife, guided by God’s will. We also had an opportunity to learn about the Holy Cross brothers and the importance of their vocation in Holy Cross and to the Church.

The coincidence of St. Joseph’s feast day with Holy Cross Week was a double blessing, as it also helped our school understand the Holy Cross Family better and the uniqueness of the two vocations of brothers and priests united working together in God’s vineyard. 

Visitation Day

On March 23rd it was another day of double blessing. Parents came around to visit their students sharing both the joy of family at Holy Cross but also bringing love and blessings from home to the children.

On the same day our school recalls a Memorable Visit of President Bill Clinton to Wanyange 

It was reported that On March 23, 1998, the small village of Wanyange in Eastern Uganda became the focus of international attention when President Bill Clinton paid a visit. This historic event not only brought excitement to the village but also left a lasting legacy that would resonate for years to come. 

As security teams prepared for the president’s arrival, all eyes were on the home of Betty Namugosa, a pregnant seamstress. In a remarkable twist of fate, while Clinton was in the village, Betty gave birth to a son. In a gesture of admiration, she named her newborn “Bill,” honoring the visiting president. This moment encapsulated the warmth and hope that Clinton’s visit brought to the villagers.

Fast forward to 2012, and the story took another heartwarming turn when President Clinton reunited with young Bill, now a 14-year-old student at Holy Cross Lake View Secondary School. The photograph capturing this encounter, featuring President Clinton proudly holding the young Bill, highlighted the unique bond formed between the American leader and the Ugandan child who bore his name.

Shortly after returning to the United States, President Clinton and his wife, Hillary R. Clinton, reached out to Betty and her family. On October 25, 1999, they sent a heartfelt letter expressing their gratitude and well-wishes. “Thank you for your kind letter and the wonderful picture of Baby Bill,” they wrote. “He has certainly grown since my visit to Wanyange village! Hillary and I know how proud you must be, and we wish you and Baby Bill all the best.” This gesture exemplified the connection that transcended borders and cultures, a testament to the impact of Clinton’s visit.

As we reflect on this remarkable event from 27 years ago, it serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the enduring legacy of kindness. The story of Baby Bill is not just about a name but about the hope and dreams that unite people from different parts of the world. 

Holy Cross week this year is a lesson to the community of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S of how fortunate they are to have these remarkable individuals as part of their community, leading by example and inspiring hope in students and the community at large.

Ave Crux Spes Unica. Education for Service 
Lavisco News Desk.