Msgr. Vincent Mukiibi Inaugurates St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Wobulenzi Parish
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by
Jerome
By BERNARD BAKALU
Luweero
In a moment of profound ecclesial significance, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana-Luweero has witnessed the inauguration of yet another parish under the pastoral leadership of the Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa.
The newly established parish, St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Wobulenzi Parish, stands as a visible sign of the Church’s continued growth and mission in the region.
Located just a short distance from Wobulenzi Town along the Wobulenzi–Bukalasa Road, the parish was canonically inaugurated on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
The solemn ceremony was presided over by the Diocesan Vicar General, Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, acting on behalf of Bishop Mukasa, who is currently in Rome in communion with fellow Ugandan bishops meeting the Holy Father.
This marks the second parish to be inaugurated during Bishop Mukasa’s episcopate, following the recent [Sunday, March 15, 2025] establishment of All Saints’ Catholic Parish, Nakitoma.
At the time of his episcopal consecration on August 5, 2023, the Diocese comprised 20 parishes.
In a bold pastoral vision announced during ordinations at Our Lady of Fatima, Queen of Peace Kasana Cathedral on August 23, 2025, the Bishop declared the creation of additional parishes, bringing the total to 32—“for the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (cf. Matthew 9:37).
The inauguration of these new parishes is being carried out progressively throughout the year, reflecting the Church’s mission to bring the sacraments ever closer to the faithful.
Sacred Rites of Inauguration
The day’s liturgical celebrations began with the blessing of the priests’ residence, still under construction, followed by the solemn blessing of the parish church, including the tabernacle—the sacred dwelling of the Most Holy Eucharist.
As the Catechism reminds us, “In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist the body and blood… of our Lord Jesus Christ… are truly, really, and substantially contained” (CCC 1374).
Msgr. Mukiibi also planted a commemorative tree, symbolizing growth in faith, echoing the words of the Psalmist: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree” (Psalm 92:12).
During the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Frank Mutebi was formally installed as the first Parish Priest, having faithfully served as caretaker since the parish’s announcement.
The Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze, proclaimed the official decree of erection of the parish.
Fr. Mutebi then took the oath of office and was entrusted with the pastoral care of the faithful.
In a solemn charge, Msgr. Mukiibi reminded him of his sacred duty:
He told him that one of his major roles is to bring many souls back to the Church.
He further affirmed: “Your oath today confirms your acceptance of this sacred responsibility as a shepherd in the vineyard of the Lord.”
Call to Communion and Generosity
As the occasion also served as a fundraising effort for the completion of the priests’ residence, Msgr. Mukiibi exhorted the faithful to unity and generosity:
He encouraged the faithful to cultivate strong and supportive relationships, emphasizing that “no one can journey alone in the life of faith.”
Drawing from the Gospel account of friendship, he alluded to the bond between Jesus, Mary, and Lazarus (cf. John 11:5), underscoring the importance of spiritual companionship.
A Pastoral Reflection on Friendship
In a deeply personal reflection, Msgr. Mukiibi shared a touching story of a young boy who sought his friendship and later entrusted him with celebrating Mass for his birthday.
The simplicity and faith of the child illustrated a profound truth:
“Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Through this narrative, he urged the faithful of Wobulenzi to build a parish rooted not only in structures but in authentic Christian friendship and solidarity—what he described as true “social capital.”
A Mission Begins
With the formal commissioning, St. Joseph Wobulenzi Parish is now fully operational.
Msgr. Mukiibi reminded Fr. Mutebi that he serves in communion with and as a representative of the Bishop, calling him to fidelity and obedience in his priestly ministry:
“Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls” (Hebrews 13:17).
He also noted that the parish now stands independent, no longer under Katikamu Parish, marking a new chapter of pastoral responsibility.
After Mass Announcements
The Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Cyril Kasigwa, congratulated the faithful and announced that the usual monthly priests’ recollection would not take place this March due to prior engagements.
He also informed the faithful about the upcoming diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land in early 2027, urging interested participants to complete their registration, recalling the spiritual value of pilgrimage as a journey of faith:
Fundraising Efforts
Rev. Fr. Achilles Kiwanuka, the Diocesan Treasurer General, reported that over UGX32 million had been raised in cash, with additional pledges toward the targeted UGX 100 million for the priests’ residence.
Words from the New Parish Priest
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Frank Mutebi expressed gratitude and humility as he assumed his new pastoral role:
He appealed to the faithful for their prayers and support, particularly in completing the priests’ residence, so that the clergy may effectively serve the People of God.
The inauguration of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Wobulenzi Parish stands as a testament to the living and growing Church in Kasana-Luweero Diocese.
Entrusted to the patronage of St. Joseph—guardian of the Holy Family—the parish begins its mission with hope, faith, and a call to holiness:
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
INAUGURATION OF ST. JOSEPH HUSBAND OF MARY WOBULENZI PARISH IN PICTURES
A view of St. Joseph Catholic Parish, Wobulenzi, during the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi blesses the priests’ house under construction, for which a fundraising drive targeting UGX 100 million was launched during the inauguration ceremony of Wobulenzi Parish on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Rev. Fr. Frank Mutebi, the first Parish Priest of Wobulenzi Parish, opens the church’s main entrance during the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi congratulates Rev. Fr. Frank Mutebi after installing him as the first Parish Priest of Wobulenzi Parish during the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Msgr. Vincent Mukiibi plants a commemorative tree at St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, during the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Msgr. Vincent Mukiibi cuts the ribbon at St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, during the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Msgr. Vincent Mukiibi blesses the Church at St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, during the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Priests move to join the procession ahead of Mass during the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Priests in a procession ahead of Mass during the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Faithful participate in Holy Mass during the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Faithful participate in Holy Mass during the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Faithful attend Holy Mass during the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
The church choir performs during Holy Mass at the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Msgr. Vincent Mukiibi blesses the Tabernacle at St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, during the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze [Chancellor, Kasana-Luweero Diocese] reads the official document establishing St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, during the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Rev. Fr. Frank Mutebi, the first Parish Priest takes oath during the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026.PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Rev. Fr. Frank Mutebi, the first Parish Priest, signs the official documents during the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Looking on is Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze [Chancellor, Kasana-Luweero Diocese], and on the right is Rev. Fr. Dr. Lawrence Kizito Kimbowa [Judicial Vicar, Kasana-Luweero Diocese]. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi signs the official documents during the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Representatives of members of the faithful sign official documents during the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Rev. Fr. Frank Mutebi, the first Parish Priest, is celebrated by being escorted around parishioners by Frs. Joseph Kakooza Nnyanzi [L] and Cyril Kasigwa during the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026.PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Offertory procession during the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi signs the visitors’ book upon arrival in Wobulenzi to preside over the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Rev. Fr. Frank Mutebi, the first Parish Priest of Wobulenzi, receives Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze [Chancellor, Kasana-Luweero Diocese] ahead of the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze and other clergy, walks through a guard of honor formed by pupils upon arrival for the inauguration ceremony of St. Joseph (Husband of Mary) Parish, Wobulenzi, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
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