Married couples have been urged to Strengthen Communication, Prayer and Togetherness if their families are to enjoy happy moments. This call was made on Sunday by Rev. Fr. Benedict Mubangizi, Assistant Director of Caritas Kabale Diocese while addressing members of Catholic Women Apostolate (CWA) and Catholic Men Apostolate (CMA) f m Christ the King Parish Kabale gathered at Cephas Inn for the celebration of Father’s Day.
Fr. Mubangizi congratulated husbands for choosing to spend Father’s Day with their wives, describing it as a meaningful way of strengthening family bonds.
Speaking on the theme of “A Happy Home,” Fr. Mubangizi noted that many people mistakenly think a happy home is one without challenges. Rather, he explained that a happy home is one where family members face challenges together, discuss them openly, and overcome them as a united family.
He cited the Holy Family of Nazareth as an example, noting that they faced numerous trials, including the difficult circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, King Herod’s attempt to kill the Child Jesus, the family’s flight into Egypt, and the loss of Jesus in the Temple. Despite these challenges, they remained united and emerged victorious.
“You don’t need to talk a lot for your family to be feared or respected. Your conduct speaks louder than words. Look at St. Joseph; little is said about him in the Bible, yet his actions speak volumes because he faithfully served from the background,” Fr. Mubangizi said.
He challenged parents to reflect on how they respond when their children go wrong, emphasizing that correction should always be guided by love and wisdom.
Fr. Mubangizi described a happy family as one characterized by forgiveness, mutual support, and quality time together. He encouraged couples, despite their busy work schedules, to intentionally create time for one another and for their children.
He also cautioned married couples against spending excessive time on their mobile phones while neglecting family interactions. “You are busy talking to people who are far away while giving little or no attention to those around you. Be present and available for your spouse and children,” he said.
He noted that while girls are often more vulnerable and require close attention, boys also need guidance, especially in today’s rapidly changing world. “Our children have a lot to share with us. Let us give them our attention,” he emphasized.
Fr. Mubangizi further encouraged families to establish guiding principles that promote order and harmony rather than becoming burdens.
If there is something to celebrate, celebrate together. Laugh together in times of joy and cry together in moments of grief. A home should never become a battlefield or a tribunal – Fr. Benedict Mubangizi.
He also underscored the importance of family prayer, reminding participants that “the family that prays together stays together.” Drawing examples from Scripture, he cited Abraham and Sarah, the parents of Samson, the parents of John the Baptist, and Tobias as families that experienced God’s intervention through prayer.
“Pray for yourself, pray for your spouse, pray for your children, pray with your spouse, and pray with your children,” he reiterated.
He urged husbands never to leave home without their wives praying for them and encouraged parents to instill a spirit of prayer in their children. He concluded by reminding couples that happiness is not found in having everything but in being content with what God has provided.
The youngest couple in the group, Mutesigensi John Bosco and Ayebazibwe Joan (who wedded on May 2), on behalf of all the participants, thanked the organizers and expressed gratitude for the apostolate carried out by the Catholic Men Apostolate (CMA) and the Catholic Women Apostolate (CWA), describing it as instrumental in strengthening Christian families.
Mrs. Agnes Twine, Chairperson of the Catholic Women Apostolate (CWA) at Christ the King Parish, Kabale, welcomed members to the gathering. She noted that in the ten years since the apostolate was established, they had never celebrated Father’s Day together with their husbands.
She thanked the men for honoring the invitation to spend the day with their wives, saying such outings are essential in strengthening marriages. She also expressed appreciation to the administration of Christ the King Parish, Kabale, for its continued support.
Speaking on behalf of the husbands, Mr. Kato Garasiano, vice Chairperson of Catholic Men Apostolate for Christ the King Parish Kabale expressed gratitude to the wives who happened to be their counterparts (Catholic Women Apostolate) for arranging a surprise out of for their husbands to celebrate Father’s Day.
He called on husbands who had not yet joined CMA to come out and have a bringing in the Apostolate which has a four fold purpose: to further spiritual development, enhance socio-economic aspect, health and general outlook of family life. Mr. Garasiano reiterated that CMA was also going to prepare a surprise outing for wives so that joyful moments are shared together.
Hon. Catherine Ndamira, former Woman Member of Parliament for Kabale District, congratulated all fathers upon celebrating Father’s Day with their wives. She commended the leadership of the Catholic Women Apostolate for organizing the surprise celebration for members of the Catholic Men Apostolate. She emphasized the importance of husbands and wives celebrating together and urged parents to continue supporting their children’s education and upbringing.
Fr. Fred Birungi, Parish Priest of Christ the King Parish, Kabale, thanked members of both CMA and CWA for their active participation in Church activities and their commitment to the spiritual, social, and economic well-being of their families.
He congratulated husbands on Father’s Day and encouraged them to remain responsible fathers both in their families and in society. He described marriage as a precious gift from God and urged couples to protect that gift by faithfully fulfilling their respective responsibilities with love and commitment.
The celebrations concluded with wives presenting gifts to their husbands, followed by a grand luncheon and lively couple dances that crowned the joyful Father’s Day event.