NICHOLAS A
Hundreds of believers from different religious backgrounds gathered today at Kayanga Catholic Church in Kisizi Parish, Nyarushanje Sub-County, Rukungiri District, to attend the first Mass sacrifice led by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Amanya.
Fr. Lawrence, who was ordained on 28th February 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Nyamitanga Cathedral under the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, was ordained alongside Rev. Fr. Kamusiime Cerenzio from Bwizibwera Parish, Mbarara Archdiocese; Rev. Fr. Ngahamire Ambrose from Kashekuro Parish, Mbarara; Rev. Fr. Nuwahereza Sebastian from Rushoka Parish, Mbarara; Rev. Fr. Mubangizi Henry from Rushoka Parish, Mbarara; and Rev. Fr. Namanya M. Justus from Kashekuro Parish, Mbarara Archdiocese.
According to Rev. Fr. Elias Kasigaire, the parish priest for Nyarushanje Parish, Fr. Lawrence’s leadership has led Nyarushanje Parish to produce a total of 14 parish-born priests, and the parish also boasts 34 Reverend Sisters.
During his sermon, Rev. Fr. Purasid Mugumya, the Bishop’s Secretary for Kabale Diocese, described the roles of a priest, which include offering the sacrifice of the Mass, praying for the sick, administering sacraments to Christians, among others. He encouraged Christians to love and always pray for their priests, acknowledging the challenges of the vocation. He congratulated Fr. Lawrence for responding to God’s call and entering the priesthood. Fr. Purasid urged Christians to serve God faithfully in their respective vocations and encouraged priests to remain faithful to God, guiding His people toward the Kingdom of Heaven.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Rubabo County MP Hon. Naboth Namanya, governance, peace, and security expert Mujuni Lawrence Mpitsi Singa, and Ms. Catherine Turyaheheebwa, who represented former Rubabo County legislator and Rukungiri Woman MP aspirant Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo, among others.
In her message delivered by Ms. Turyaheheebwa, Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo, who is now running for the Rukungiri Woman MP seat, congratulated Fr. Lawrence for reaching this significant milestone. She noted that many people admire this vocation but fail to achieve it. Hon. Turyahikayo presented Fr. Lawrence with several items for his work, including hostias, a Marian statue, a cross, wine, and candles for the Holy Mass. She also urged parents to continue supporting their children’s education to help produce more outstanding individuals in the community.
Fr. Lawrence shared with the congregation that his journey to priesthood has been a long one, having spent 34 years in school. He expressed his gratitude to God for blessing him and enabling him to become a priest.
