The Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, has urged students to cultivate critical thinking, humility, discipline and faith, warning that a lack of independent thinking leaves young people vulnerable to manipulation and deception.
Bishop Gubazire made the call while presiding over Mass at St. Mary’s College Rushoroza on Sunday, October 18, 2026, as the school celebrated its Patron Saint’s Day, popularly known as St. Mary’s Day. The Mass was held on the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
In his homily, the Bishop cautioned students and Christians in general against blindly following religious leaders who exploit people’s faith for personal gain. He encouraged them to question what they are taught, seek clarification and strive for a deeper understanding of issues.
Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth – Pope St. John Paul II.
To illustrate the dangers of unquestioning belief, the Bishop recounted an encounter with a pastor in Ghana during his service there before his appointment as Bishop. He said the pastor claimed to possess miraculous water, which was sold rather than freely given. The experience, he explained, underscored the importance of developing critical minds and distinguishing genuine religious teachings from deception.
Bishop Gubazire emphasized that Church-founded schools should prioritize nurturing inquisitive students who are eager to learn, willing to ask questions and capable of making informed decisions.
Using the name MARY as an acronym, he outlined four virtues that students should cultivate in their daily lives.
He described M as Meekness, which he said calls for humility, discipline, holiness and gratitude. A stands for Astuteness, urging students to be wise, open-minded and ready to ask questions and seek clarification whenever necessary.
The letter R represents Responsibility, with the Bishop pointing to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s commitment to her role, particularly in caring for Jesus Christ. Finally, Y stands for Mary’s “Yes” to God, through which he encouraged students to put God first in their lives and remain steadfast in their faith.
The Bishop further emphasized that true greatness is not measured by wealth, riches or academic qualifications, but by one’s relationship with God and the humility demonstrated in serving others.
He urged students to cultivate gratitude by appreciating everyone who contributes to their well-being, including teachers, cooks and other members of the school community.
He also warned against seeking shortcuts to success, calling on students to remain focused on hard work, discipline, commitment and perseverance while giving God priority in their lives.
Bishop Gubazire challenged parents and old students to serve as positive role models by helping young people develop good values, a strong moral conscience and a sense of responsibility.
The St. Mary’s Day celebrations attracted hundreds of participants, including old students, political and religious leaders, head teachers and parents.
The event also featured a thanksgiving celebration by the day’s Chief Guest, Dr. Flavian Zeija, following his appointment as Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda. Dr. Zeija is an alumnus of St. Mary’s College Rushoroza, having belonged to the 1992 cohort, and previously served as the school’s head prefect.
Dr. Zeija was accompanied by Dr. Pius Bigirimana, Permanent Secretary of the Judiciary, who delivered the day’s keynote address.
The celebrations included a fundraising drive that raised 188 million shillings in cash, alongside contributions of 200 bags of cement and 200 bags of terrazzo, all meant for the completion of a multi-purpose Dining Hall for the school.