Mugabe R
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Nyakibale Catholic Parish in Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality raised a total of 3,409,500 UGX (Three million four hundred nine thousand five hundred shillings) to be sent to Pope Francis in Rome for relief aid benefiting needy children worldwide.
The Missionary Holy Childhood program was initiated in 1843 by Bishop Charles Augustine Marie De Forbin-Janson from France, following Pope Pius IX’s observation of the suffering Chinese children who were dying in war without receiving baptism. This program was created to provide relief aid services.
In 1950, Pope Pius XII established the Missionary Holy Childhood Day to foster love, courage, and responsibility among children, encouraging their friendship with Jesus Christ. This commemoration was inaugurated by Pope Paul VI, who urged children to participate actively in the annual celebrations.
Rev. Father Januario Nomugisha Rukabeizira, Director of Children and Youth Affairs for Kabale, who was the chief celebrant, inspired children to adopt a spirit of love and sharing, emphasizing that these values contribute to creating a better world.
Father Cleophas Mugabe, Chaplain at Immaculate Heart Girls Nyakibale, urged parents to support their children in acquiring the values of the Holy Childhood program. He highlighted that these values help transform children into dedicated volunteers and patriots who contribute to aiding needy children from a young age.
Sr. Sabina Tumusiime, Deputy Headmistress at Immaculate Heart Girls Nyakibale, encouraged teachers to foster spiritual cooperation among children, noting that the Missionary Holy Childhood program transcends religious boundaries.
Felex Abaho, Coordinator for the Office of Youth and Children Affairs at Kabale Diocese, announced the completion of outreach in Kabale, Kanungu, and Rubanda districts, with plans to proceed to Rukiga and Kisoro. He urged school authorities to respect the Holy Childhood program anthem and display its flag.
The program operates under the theme “Jesus Christ is our friend; let’s love one another.”
