The Diocese of Hoima heralded a new era on Sunday February 28, 2016 with the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Vincent Kirabo that was held in a colorful celebration at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Hoima.
Over 4000 faithful from the 19 dioceses across the country and foreign countries flocked the venue to celebrate the event. It was a rare opportunity for many to see a priest become a bishop and. By 7.00am Christians began filling up the premises as others queued patiently to gain access to the venue.
The consecration mass which was attended by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda as the Chief Guest, was presided over by Most Rev. Paul Bakyenga, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese and assisted by Rt. Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, the Auxiliary Bishop of Mbabara and formerly the Apostolic Administrator of Hoima Diocese.
During the ceremonial rites, Archbishop Bakyenga and Bishop Bainomugisha placed the book of the Gospel on the head of Bishop Kirabo and recited the prayer of consecration after which he posed to him a set of questions. Afterwards all the Bishops present laid hands on Bishop Kirabo, a consecration rite.
In ordaining Bishop Kirabo, Archbishop Bakyenga, said: “Bishops are called to serve and care for the flock of Christ. Remember that you are chosen from among men and appointed to act for men and women in relation to God. Always pray and offer sacrifice for the people committed to your care and so draw every kind of grace for them from the overflowing holiness of Christ.”
He further emphasized to him to embrace love and emulate the Holy Father by caring for the poor, strangers and the homeless.
The Apostolic Nuncio told the faithful attended the celebration to welcome Bishop Kirabo with
The Mass was also attended by H.E Michael August Blume, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, the Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Archbishop of Gulu, Most Rev. Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, Archbishop of Kampala, Most Rev. Emmanuel Obbo, Archbishop of Tororo, 27 Bishops from Uganda and over 500 priests and religious.
Religious leaders from other denominations, cultural and political leaders were also present at the celebration.
After his consecration, Bishop Kirabo expressed his gratitude to the Pope, all the Bishops, the religious, political and cultural leaders as well as the faithful for make his Episcopal Ordination a success.
“I am grateful for the gift of being among you in the Diocese of Hoima,” he said adding that “It is a great blessing for me. Assisted with the grace of God I am prepared to work with you and promote God’s kingdom in Hoima.”
Bishop Kirabo was later led around the Cathedral by Bishop Bainomugisha to bless everyone gathered at the venue.
The joyful occasion ended in a grand style with President Museveni handing over car keys of a brand new Mitsubishi-Pajero as a gift, to Bishop Kirabo.
Bishop Kirabo is the third Bishop in the diocese’s history and replaces Bishop Baharagate. He was appointed in November last year by Pope Francis, three days after his visit to Uganda. Hoima Diocese was first led by Bishop Deogratias Muganwa Byabazaire (R.I.P), who served as bishop for 23 year since 1991.
By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference