The Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, on Saturday blessed and officially opened the newly constructed Christ the King Parish Church in Rukungiri District, describing it as a lasting sign of the faith, sacrifice and unity of God’s people.
The solemn celebration marked the culmination of 19 years of effort by the parish community to build a permanent house of worship. It also coincided with the 20th Anniversary of Christ the King Parish, which was established in 2006.
During the Rite of blessing, Bishop Rubaramira sprinkled the church with holy water, consecrated the Altar with Sacred Chrism and dedicated the building for divine worship, entrusting it to God as a sacred place where the Christian community will gather to celebrate the Eucharist and encounter the Lord.
In his homily, the Bishop invited the faithful to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, reminding them that authentic Christian life is sustained by remaining united with Him.
Drawing from the Gospel of John on Jesus Christ being the vine and believers as the branches, he said Christians can bear lasting fruit only by abiding in Christ.
With Christ we accomplish everything; without Him we fail. Therefore, give Him your time; not part-time, but full-time. Come to the church, the meeting place with God, and encounter Him there – Bishop Rubaramira said.
He encouraged the faithful to cultivate a life of prayer, reflection on the Word of God and fidelity to God’s will, noting that those who remain in Christ become witnesses of love, faith and generous service.
Reflecting on the significance of the newly dedicated church, Bishop Rubaramira recalled the biblical Tent of Meeting built by Moses, where God revealed His presence to His people. He said the new church now becomes the place where Christians gather to encounter Christ, who remains present among them in the Blessed Sacrament.
During the Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 229 candidates, encouraging them to remain steadfast in the faith and to bear courageous witness to Christ in their daily lives.
Expressing gratitude for the completion of the church, Bishop Rubaramira thanked all those whose prayers, generosity and sacrifices made the project possible.
Speaking on behalf of the Parish Council Chairperson, Mr. Karyeija Zepher Byaruhanga, the Vice Chairperson, Ms. Kemigisha Mary Mariet, thanked the Bishop for presiding over the dedication of the church and administering the Sacrament of Confirmation.
She said the parish comprises three secondary schools, seven primary schools, one nursery school with 104 children, 22 Hiikas and 180 Small Christian Communities. She added that the Christ the King Community SACCO has grown to 1,612 members with a share capital of Shs 243 million.
Looking ahead, she said the Parish plans to survey its land and obtain land titles, construct a new presbytery and strengthen Lay Apostolate Movements, including the Legion of Mary, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Holy Family, Holy Childhood, St. Jude, Crusaders and Xaverians, to deepen evangelization.
She also paid tribute to the priests who have served the parish since its establishment in 2006: the late Fr. Polycarp Ahurwendeire, Fr. Felix Eugene Odeda, the late Fr. Vincent Bagarimu, Fr. Mathias Kwehangana, Fr. Julius Turyatoranwa and the current Parish Priest, Fr. Vianney Byaruhanga. Each priest received a gift of one million Uganda shillings in appreciation of his contribution to the parish’s development.
Representing the Government, Hon. Twinomugisha Sylvia Katimbira, Chairperson L.C 3 of Western Division in Rukungiri Municipality, commended the Catholic Church for complementing government efforts in education, healthcare and social services. She also encouraged citizens to participate actively in the forthcoming Local Council elections.
The Parish Priest, Fr. Vianney Byaruhanga, thanked Bishop Rubaramira for dedicating the church and confirming the candidates. He expressed gratitude to the Parish Council, catechists, leaders of the Small Christian Communities and all the faithful for their commitment and generosity throughout the construction project. He also encouraged parents to continue nurturing their children in the Catholic faith.
The celebrations were attended by the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, who called on Christians to promote unity and peaceful coexistence despite belonging to different Christian denominations.
He urged believers to reject divisions and instead become instruments of reconciliation, mutual respect and harmony, saying these values are essential to building stronger communities and bearing credible witness to the Gospel.