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New Hoima bishop gets hero’s welcome
Bishop Vincent Kirabo being welcomed by the clergy at Bujumbura Cathedral on Wednesday. PHOTO BY Francis Mugerwa
Hoima.
The newly appointed Bishop of Hoima Diocese, Vincent Kirabo, on Wednesday received a hero’s welcome from thousands of Christians in Bunyoro sub-region.
On November 30, the Apostolic Nunciature announced that Pope Francis had appointed Fr Kirabo, a Professor at St Mary’s Major Seminary in Ggaba, as the new Bishop of Hoima.
On his first trip to the diocesan headquarters since his appointment, Bishop Kirabo was escorted from Kampala by a motorcade of Christians, organised by Hoima Diocese External Residents Association.
He was received by Christians of Butema Catholic Parish at Kafu River that separates Bunyoro sub- region from Buganda, about 20 kilometres off Hoima town.
They were joined by Christians from St Cyprian Parish and Bujumbura Parish.
Catholic Church authorities plan to consecrate the newly appointed Bishop of Hoima Diocese next year.
The Hoima diocesan communication Director, the Rev Fr John Mary Busobozi, said the function will be held on February 28 at Bujumbura Cathedral.
The diocese has been without a substantive bishop for more than five years, after Bishop Deogratias Muganwa Byabazaire` became frail. The 71-year old clergy died in February last year.
Due to persistent health challenges, in November 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed the auxiliary Bishop of Mbarara Diocese Lambert Bainomugisha as the apostolic administrator of Hoima Catholic Diocese. He has been performing duties of the bishop for close to six years.
Bishop Kirabo, who led the service, appreciated the contribution of the clergy and Christians in running the diocese. “I thank Bishop Lambert for the good work he has done in leading well our diocese. You have not been orphans. We had a shepherd,” he said in reference to Bishop Bainomugiha.
He echoed the Pope’s message and urged the faithfuls not to forget all the good things God has done in their lives.
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