Prelates bring Christmas cheer to Parliament
PARLIAMENT – The Parliament Anglican and Catholic chaplaincies respectively hosted an inspiring Christmas Carol Service and Pontifical Mass and Lighting of the Christmas Tree on Wednesday, 11 and Thursday, 12 December 2024.
The Christmas Carol Service was graced by the Most Reverend Dr Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda while Rt Reverend Francis Aquirinus Kibira, the Bishop of Kasese Diocese, presided over the Pontifical Mass.
Both events, held in the parliament’s conference hall, saw choirs perform melodious hymns that resonated deeply with attendees, reflecting the joy and solemnity of the season.
In his sermon, Archbishop Kaziimba underscored the spiritual significance of Christmas and cautioned against greed and wastefulness, advocating instead for compassion and generosity, encouraging those in leadership to set an example for the rest of the nation.
“How many of us have clothes or shoes we no longer use? This is the time to bless others,” he urged. He reminded the gathering of the communal essence of Christmas, where even the forsaken and forgotten should feel the love of Christ.
He also commended Parliament for passing critical legislation aimed at upholding societal values, particularly praising lawmakers for rejecting policies that compromise Christian principles like the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
“Marriage is a sacred institution that must be handled with utmost care,” he emphasised. “We must safeguard it from influences that distort its God-ordained purpose.”
In a light-hearted moment, the Archbishop recounted the biblical story of Joseph, who accepted Mary despite her miraculous pregnancy.
He humorously advised against the modern obsession with DNA testing, urging fathers to emulate Joseph’s faith and commitment. “Leave these things of DNA,” he joked, to the delight of the congregation.
Bishop Kibira urged legislators to take on a distinctive role in the work of the Church, by making and passing laws that work for the benefit of all Ugandans.
“Always remember to make just laws, because laws you make will help or affect the people close to you. It is your role to lead people and help religious leaders to serve you very well,” said Bishop Kibira.
The Bishop, in his preaching, urged families, especially couples, to promote financial transparency amongst themselves, which he said can save family members in the absence of a breadwinner.
“I beg the couples to be open to each other about the accounts you have in different banks. Sit down and agree how much money you can put annually on a fixed deposit account, because this will help your resources to grow,” he noted.
He also advised Christians to look after their souls, especially in preparation for the Christmas period, noting that this is what they shall meet Jesus with after earthly life.
