Thousands of Catholics on Sunday gathered at Immaculate Heart of Mary Rubanda Parish Church in Rubanda Deanery to celebrate the opening of Rubanda Deanery Pilgrimage centre in the Jubilee Year 2025. They gathered from the 6 parishes of Muchahi, Kakore, Kabirizi, Muko, Kishanje and Rubanda and made a pilgrimage from Friday May 23 to Sunday May 25, 2025.
The pilgrimage centre was opened by Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, Vicar General of Kabale Diocese having been delegates by Bishop Callist Rubaramira who opened the Principal Door of Rubanda Parish Church so that people can go through as pilgrims of Hope with the intention of obtaining a plenary indulgences attached to the pilgrimage.
While preaching during Mass, Msgr. John Vianney Sunday welcomed all the pilgrims and thanked them for the sacrifice made as pilgrims of Hope as the theme suggested by Pope Francis. He reminded the Christians gathered that their hope should be built on Christ whom they should run to in times of hardships and that he who is with the Lord is victorious because he is the their Hope and refuge.
In the 1st Reading of 6th Sunday in Easter (Acts, 15:1-2,22-29), the Jews and Gentiles, both were won for God, but had differences which threatened the unity of the early Church. The Apostles met together in Jerusalem for the first synod to resolve this difference and it was resolved that the Gentiles not be subject to the customs of the Jews. This was intended to build the unity of believers. Therefore, christians are called to be peace makers and restorers of unity not dividing the community. Msgr. John Vianney said that the Apostles could not make this resolve by themselves, but by the guidance of Holy Spirit, thereby encouraging Christians to always first consult Jesus and the Holy Spirit before a decision is made.
Successful plans are built on the holy Spirit. This can be done by having our daily prayers, and laying out plans in God’s hands. Remain with Christ, walk with him daily, and you will register success – Msgr. John Vianney Sunday.
In the Gospel of John 14:23-29, Jesus reminds his followers that whoever loves him keeps his commandments, which is the commandment of love. With this, he will dwell in those who love him. Jesus dwells among his people in the sacraments especially the Most Blessed Eucharist. Therefore, Christians are invited to receive this sacrament often times, for whoever eats his body and drinks his blood has life in him since Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life..
“Our lives are a tabernacle because they contain Jesus whom we receive in the sacraments. We must approach these sacraments especially the sacrament of Eucharist with proper disposition, and this calls for reception of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation”, said Msgr. John Vianney Sunday.
The Sacrament of Penance in this Jubilee Year is a requisite for reception of the plenary indulgence, alongside reception of Eucharist and praying for the intentions of the Pope. Other characteristics of the Jubilee Year include passing through the Holy Door, making a pilgrimage, Prayer, reconciliation among others.
Msgr. John Vianney used the opportunity to thank all the people of good will from the parishes in Rubanda Deanery for their support and contributions made towards the Priestley golden Jubilee Celebrations which took place on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Rushoroza Cathedral.
Mr. Asiimwe Happy Melkiades, inspector of schools for Rubanda district and Chairperson laity for Rubanda Deanery thanked the Vicar General for leading pilgrimage and thanked all parishes in the Deanery for making a pilgrimage to their mother parish (Rubanda Parish). He thanked the organizing committee for the preparations of the pilgrimage which was successful. He also thanked all those who contributed to the Jubilee charity which was confused during lenten season. He advocated for continued collaboration among all parishes of Rubanda deanery so that together working as a team, they may lead the people of God to salvation.
Hon. Kamuntu Moses, the Rubanda West member of Parliament thanked the Deanery Administration for the organization. He said he also made a pilgrimage to thank the Blessed Virgin Mary for her intercession in his business. He contributed 30m towards the beautification of the shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Rubanda Parish.
Hon. Kamuntu also called on the people of Rubanda district to continue using wetlands for crop food production and that there is no vacation of the wetlands in Rubanda unless proper compensation by the government has been made. He also said his team will distribute hoes to every household in Rubanda west so that people can cultivate and make their families survive.bHe said iron ore Factory was starting soon at Haisesero as negotiations are under way to establish a cement factory so that employment opportunities are created for the people of Rubanda.
Hon. Prossy Mbabazi Akampurira, the Woman for Rubanda District thanked pilgrims for the dedication. He also thanked the Deanery administration for the organization of the Jubilee pilgrimage which was successful. She urged parents to work hard and educate their children, instill hope in them and support them. She urged Christians to mend their ways so that their life reflects pilgrims of Hope.
Fr. Fidel Ndagijimana, Pastoral Coordinator for Kabale Diocese thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira and team for entrusting the Jubilee Year program to him in terms of organization and celebration. He thanked the Deanery leadership for the arrangement and organizing the Deanery pilgrimage which saw all the 6 parishes make a pilgrimage at Rubanda Parish.
He thanked the christians for taking heed to the priests’ call to participate in celebration of Jubilee Year, which different activities involved e.g jubilee charity, jubilee hymn, jubilee prayer, pilgrimage which included passing through the Holy Door.
He awarded certificate of participation to the schools, and choirs that participated. He thanked Kakore Parish which worked hard in the Jubilee Hymn competitions which saw Kakore Parish choir defeat other parishes, St. Agatha Girls’ Secondary School win Secondary Schools and St. Francis Xavier Kakore Primary School won the primary schools competitions.