Soroti, Uganda – The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to working closely with the church to promote and protect the biblical values.
The Speaker said this while witnessing the ordination of six deacons into priesthood and one seminarian into diaconate in a sacred event that was presided over by the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach at Regina Caeli Cathedral site in Aminit, Soroti on Saturday.
Speaking at the event, Among expressed her gratitude to the priests for their dedication to serving God, emphasizing the nobility of their calling and highlighting their dedication as parliament towards creating laws that align with the biblical teachings.
“As Parliament, we pledge our unwavering support towards making laws that are good for humanity, respect for family and gives value to biblical teachings,” she said.
According to the Speaker, as Parliament continues to work on legislation that reflects these values, the church and the state are poised to work together towards a common goal of promoting the well-being of the societies.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru encouraged the newly ordained priests and deacons to be frontliners of the church, saying priesthood is a daunting task that requires total dedication and sacrifice.
“Priesthood is not for jokers, it’s a daunting task and therefore, it’s business and not picnic. You are ordained for the glory of the Lord and salvation of souls… At all costs, save souls. If you do this, you will live in peace and die as a saint,” Eciru said.
He also urged Christians to remain resolute and pray at all times. “Members of Team Jesus must be resolute. For this to happen, prayer is indispensable. A catholic without prayer is the same as a soldier without arms. So, as we pray for you, you should also pray for us. Work as you pray, and also pray as you work,” he said.
President Yoweri Museveni in his message delivered by the vice president Jessica Alupo, congratulated the new priests, saying their ordination is a testimony of their devotion to God and the Catholic Church.
The president also urged the church to preach the gospel of wealth creation so that communities can embrace the different government programs like Emyooga and Parish Development Model to create wealth and alleviate them from poverty.
