Bishop Lawrence Mukasa calls for Perseverance in Faith as He Presides over His Third Easter Mass

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa calls for Perseverance in Faith as He Presides over His Third Easter Mass

By BERNARD BAKALU

 

Luweero

 

A view of the main entrance leading to the seat of Kasana-Luweero Diocese. Photo by BERNARD BAKALU on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).

On Sunday, the faithful across the 32 parishes of Kasana–Luweero Diocese gathered in great numbers to join Catholics throughout the nation and the universal Church in the solemn and joyous celebration of Easter—the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

At Our Lady of Fatima Queen of Peace Cathedral, Kasana, the Bishop of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, presided over the Pontifical Easter Mass, which commenced at 10:00 a.m.

He was joined in sacred concelebration by the Vicar General and Cathedral Administrator, Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, alongside Rev. Fr. Jude Masembe the Director of Caritas Kasanaensis.

Before a fully packed cathedral, Bishop Mukasa delivered a profound and deeply catechetical homily, centered on the mystery of the Resurrection and its implications for Christian life.

He reminded the faithful that in Christ, God shows no partiality: salvation is offered universally to all peoples—Jews and Gentiles alike—thus opening wide the doors of the Church to all nations.

In Christ, humanity is reconciled and made one, equally invited to partake in the divine life as children of God.

Reflecting on the Passion, the Bishop noted with sorrow that despite God’s boundless love, the world rejected Christ and put Him to death. Yet, he emphasized, the Cross was not the end of the story.

In the Resurrection, what seemed impossible became possible: defeat was transformed into victory, humiliation into glory.

Quoting the apostolic proclamation, he affirmed: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

Drawing from the Letter to the Colossians, the Bishop reminded the faithful of their baptismal identity: “You have been raised with Christ.” He explained that the Resurrection inaugurates a new life, in which the old self is washed away and a new creation emerges in the likeness of Christ.

He exhorted Christians to “seek the things that are above,” clarifying that this does not mean neglecting earthly responsibilities, but rather reordering one’s priorities so that God takes first place in all things.

True Christian identity, he stressed, is rooted not in human opinion but in one’s relationship with Christ: the closer one is to Christ, the more one is transformed.

Turning to the Gospel account of the empty tomb, Bishop Mukasa reflected on the urgency and confusion experienced by Mary Magdalene and the Apostles.

Their running, he noted, signified both anxiety and a deep longing for truth. Yet, upon encountering the signs within the empty tomb, they began to discern the divine action at work.

He highlighted the testimony of the Beloved Disciple: “He saw and believed.” From this, the Bishop drew a pastoral exhortation—faith is a journey that often begins in uncertainty but grows through encounter.

“Unless you come, you will not see; unless you see, you will not believe,” he said, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their participation in the life of the Church.

He concluded by encouraging all Christians to persevere in faith, assuring them that the empty tomb is not a sign of defeat, but the definitive proclamation of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

Bishop Mukasa commends Msgr. Mukiibi

In a lighter yet deeply appreciative moment during the homily, Bishop Mukasa warmly commended Msgr. Mukiibi for the remarkable developments undertaken at the Cathedral under the “Yoyoota Kasana Cathedral” initiative, a campaign dedicated to enhancing the beauty, dignity, and infrastructure of the Mother Church of the Diocese.

Expressing both admiration and amazement, the Bishop reflected on the evident progress and the zeal behind it, noting with a sense of wonder how Msgr. Mukiibi has managed to accomplish such extensive improvements within a relatively short time. With a touch of pastoral humor, he remarked that, in the eyes of some, the Monsignor’s extraordinary pace and dedication might even appear “unconventional,” given the rapid transformation being witnessed at the Cathedral.

As he looked around the sacred space, the Bishop appeared visibly impressed by the refined altar setting, the well-laid carpeting, the artistic enhancements, and the effective public address system, which now ensures that the Word and spoken messages are clearly audible to all the faithful gathered in the Cathedral.

Drawing attention to the choir’s instrument, he pointed out the newly acquired piano and informed the congregation that it had only been delivered the previous day, inviting all present to join in expressing gratitude to Msgr. Mukiibi for his commitment to enriching the liturgical environment.

In a moment of light-hearted pastoral expression, the Bishop further acknowledged the Monsignor’s tireless dedication, even jokingly suggesting his possible transfer to Lwampanga Parish so that similar development might be fostered there—an remark that elicited lively and joyful reactions from the congregation.

This celebration also marked Bishop Mukasa’s third Easter as Ordinary of the Diocese since his episcopal consecration and installation on August 5, 2023, a milestone reflecting his ongoing pastoral leadership within the Kasana–Luweero Diocese.

Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi

Speeches After Mass

The Chairperson of the Laity at the Cathedral, Mr. Joseph Ssebudde, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for erecting twelve new parishes, pledging the laity’s full support in strengthening these communities.

He announced that the faithful would begin this commitment with the inauguration of Katuugo Parish on April 12.

He also appealed to the Bishop to retain Msgr. Mukiibi at the Cathedral for at least three more years, citing his exceptional leadership.

Furthermore, he rallied the faithful to contribute toward clearing the diocesan loan incurred in the construction of the KALUDO COMPLEX —a two-storeyed multipurpose building located opposite the Cathedral along the Kampala–Gulu highway.

A message from the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, was read to the congregation by Mr. John Kibalama.

Representing political leaders present, Hon. Denis Ssekabira, Member of Parliament for Katikamu North, addressed the assembly.

He spoke on concerns regarding post-election injustices following the January 2026 general elections, while also pledging financial support towards the Cathedral’s development initiatives.

The Legislator further announced contributions from fellow leaders, including support for the upcoming Kabaka’s Birthday Run scheduled for April 12, 2026.

Conclusion of the Eucharistic Celebration

The Bishop imparted the final blessing, invoking the joy and peace of the Risen Christ upon all the faithful and wishing them a blessed and grace-filled Easter.

The Holy Mass was broadcast live on the diocesan YouTube channel, KLD Catholics Online, with sponsorship from MTN Uganda.

PART OF THE FACELIFT AT KASANA CATHEDRAL IN PICTURES

A view of the main entrance leading to the seat of Kasana-Luweero Diocese. Photo by BERNARD BAKALU on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).

 A view of the final gate leading to the main entrance of Kasana Cathedral. Photo by BERNARD BAKALU on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).

A view of the exterior of Kasana Cathedral. Photo by BERNARD BAKALU on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).

A view of the immediate surroundings upon entering the main gate of the seat of Kasana-Luweero Diocese. The storeyed building visible on the right is Kasana St. Jude Primary School. Photo by BERNARD BAKALU on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).

 A view of part of the immediate surroundings upon entering the main gate of the seat of Kasana-Luweero Diocese. Photo by BERNARD BAKALU on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).

  A view of the main gate of the seat of Kasana-Luweero Diocese, as seen from within the premises. Photo by BERNARD BAKALU on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).

 A view of the surroundings along the approach to the parish offices of Kasana Cathedral. Photo by BERNARD BAKALU on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).

 A view of the parking area serving both the Kasana Cathedral Parish and the diocesan administration offices of Kasana-Luweero Diocese. Photo by BERNARD BAKALU on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).

A view of part of the surroundings near the parish offices of Kasana Cathedral. Photo by BERNARD BAKALU on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).

KALUDO Complex at Kasana.

A screenshot of the live broadcast of the Easter Mass on YouTube via KLD Catholics Online, as Bishop Lawrence Mukasa delivers his homily on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

A screenshot of the live broadcast of the Easter Mass on YouTube via KLD Catholics Online, as Rev. Fr. Jude Masembe proclaims the Gospel on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

From left to right: Luweero District LC V Chairman Erasto Kibirango, Bamunanika County MP Hon. Robert Ssekitooleko, and Hon. Brenda Nabukenya, the Luweero District Woman MP, attending the Easter Mass. This is a screenshot of the live broadcast on YouTube via KLD Catholics Online on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa delivers final blessings at the end of Easter Mass. This is a screenshot of the live broadcast on YouTube via KLD Catholics Online on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

 A display of the “Thank you for watching” message presented by the management of KLD Catholics Online. This is a screenshot of the live broadcast on YouTube via KLD Catholics Online on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

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