NICHAOLS A
Rev. Fr. Niwagaba Brian, the assistant parish priest of Nyarushanje Catholic Parish in Kabale Diocese, has urged married couples to base their families on the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth, made up of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus.
He made the challenge on Sunday 28th December 2025, during the Holy Family Day Mass at Nyarushanje Parish, which observed married couples under Christian marriage renewing their marriage vows.
Fr. Brian noted that many families are struggling today due to the failure to follow the example of the Nazarene Holy Family. He said that Joseph was a responsible man who loved Mary and did everything necessary to protect baby Jesus from harm, while Mary was a God-fearing and obedient woman.
He challenged men to be responsible and loving toward their wives, noting that the man is the head of the family and should actively seek solutions to challenges that arise. He also urged women to be obedient, taking Mary as a role model, emphasizing that an obedient wife is a pillar of a strong marriage relationship.
Fr. Brian further encouraged parents to love their children, highlighting that a parent’s primary role is to ensure their children’s wellbeing by providing food, education, medical care, and other necessities.
He spoke strongly against domestic violence, which he described as a serious challenge affecting many families in Uganda. He stressed the importance of forgiveness, patience, and love in building peaceful and enduring families.
Tom Rugarwaana, the chairperson of married Christians at Nyarushanje Parish, commended the Catholic Church for its commitment to strengthening families. He noted that Holy Family Day allows couples to renew their marriage vows and encouraged fellow married Christians to emulate Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.
Among the congregants was the LC 5 Councillor and NRM flag bearer, Mr. Ananias Jegere, who praised the Catholic Church for supporting the government’s efforts to fight domestic violence. He noted that the teachings of church leaders reinforce government initiatives in promoting safe and healthy families.
