Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira yesterday November 18, 2023 opened the 39th Parish in Kabale Diocese. The newly opened parish has been put under the patronage of St. Peter and hence forth shall be called St. Peter’s Catholic Parish Buyanja in Nyakibale Deanery, Rukungiri district. While preaching during inauguration mass, Bishop Callist thanked the first evangelizers who came to Kigezi region particularly Yohana Ssebalija who came to Nyarushanje in 1909 and Yohaana Kitagana in 1911. Bishop Callist called on the faithful to thank God that through these lay men we have been able to receive the Good News. He extended appreciation to the catechists for the great work they are doing, they are indeed pillars in teaching religion.
Bishop Callist said that St. Paul reminds us that each on of us should remember that he/she is a gift of God and the the Holy Spirit has given us different gifts for the benefit of each other. A parish is a sign of God’s presence among his people. Remember you are gifts to each other and don’t bury the gifts God has given you, that is when you will remain the light of the world and salt of the earth. work together each doing his/her part. He asked the new parish priest to help in starting up the parish council and parish activities should immediately start.
Bishop Callist also said that in the gospels Jesus says his brothers and mother are those who do the will of God. you can’t call yourself a Christian yet you don’t do what Christ does. our perfect example of doing God’s will is by Mary who said , Behold the handmaid of the lord, be it done to me according to your will. He thanked the people of Buyanja for showing solidarity a sign that you will manage the parish. He contributed 3m as Diocesan contribution and thanked all those who have been involved in preparation of the new parish plus the priests who turned up in big numbers to witness the opening of St. Peter’s Catholic Parish Buyanja.
The new parish priest Fr. Benjamin Tukamushaba thanked the Bishop for opening this parish and appointing him together with Fr. Mubangizi Chrispino as pioneer priests. He thanked everybody for the contribution made towards the successful function. He also pledged to work closed and cooperate with the parishioners in order to develop the parish.
On behalf of Ndama and Nyakibale parishes, Mr. Alphonce , the chairman Parish Council of Nyakibale parish thanked the Bishop for opening Buyanja parish and requested him to think about opening of Nyakanyinya and Kasheshe and upgrade them to parish status.
Dr. Edward Kazeire as chairman steering committee thanked the Bishop for granting them parish status after 40 years of waiting. He promised that they waited for the parish for so long, and therefore promised the Bishop that they will take care of it and the priests he has given them. He urged Christians to work hard and be generous and offer to God and develop the parish. You must remain host if you want God to be generous to you. He contributed 5m for BAAF and a Friesian cow to the new parish.
Hon. Namanya Naboth MP for Rubabo county where St. Peter’s Catholic Parish Buyanja is located thanked the Bishop for starting up different projects in the diocese. he thanked him for opening up the new Parish. He urged people to put politics aside end work together for the development of the parish. he also contributed 1 m to the new parish.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi Minister for ICT and National Guidance and MP for Kinkizi East speaking as chief guest thanked the Bishop for opening up new parishes in the Diocese with the aim of bring services closer to the people. congratulated the people of St. Peter’s Parish Buyanja upon attaining parish status. He welcome Bishop Callist to the Northern part of Kigezi and thanked him for the different projects being established in the diocese for example education institutions, health institutions, tea project among others.
He encouraged the parishioners to work in collaboration with the priests appointed so that the work of God can move ahead. he warned them not to be a burden to their leader, but work hand in hand with them. He reminded people to always embrace government programs especially Parish Development Model (PDM) to boost household income. he warned those people who misuse PDM money. Work hard so that your lives are better. When you have money, you will fight disease. thanks to the people of Buyanja for working hard and boosting your income. He contributed 10m towards the development of the new parish.
Other dignitaries present included Hon. Medius Kaharata, (Woman Mp Rukungiri), Hon. Roland Mugume Kaginda (former MP Rukungiri Municipality), Betty Muzanira (former Woman MP Rukungiri district), Ariyo Marycent (deputy RDC Mitooma) among others.
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This is very good news for the Faithfulls in Buyanja. Thanks to all the organisers and Bishop Callist
Congratulations to those new parishes