Sunday 24 Jan 2021 was a day of wine and roses for the Salesian family in Uganda, since it was the day when this year’s strenna of the Rector Major was celebrated at Don Bosco Namugongo Community Kampala – Uganda with the theme “Moved by Hope”. See I am making all things new.” (Rev 21,5)
Everything started with confession at 9:00 am, activity which was carried out by three Salesian priests namely Fr. Joseph Cat Nguyen, Fr Elie Nyandwi, the Director of the community, and the one in charge of the Salesian family in Uganda, plus Fr Jeffrey from the community of Don Bosco Palabek. The Eucharistic celebration, which attracted a big number of participants from different Salesian houses of Uganda and Christians from the neighborhood started at 10 a.m and was presided over by Fr Phillip Gbao, a Salesian working in Gulu, Atede.
During his sermon, Fr. Phillip urged the congregation to do everything possible to bring hope to people out there especially to the young people. He also reminded the congregants of turbulent times Don Bosco went through with the young people but always stood on hope. “Use your hands, use your mouth, actions and everything possible to bring hope to young people out there who are weary, let them see Jesus Christ in you,” said Fr. Phillip
After mass, at noon, Fr Phillip Gbao presented the strenna to the Salesian family members present followed by an interaction session aimed at encouraging the Salesian family to centre this year’s strenna in all the different parts of the region. Several questions about ways of instilling hope in believers and the young people in particular were asked by the delegates.
The family then had lunch break at 2 p.m. before heading for entertainment and emotional speeches from the young people who acknowledged the great work the Salesians were doing in changing their lives and bringing hope to them. Finally Fr Elie Nyandwi thanked each and everyone on behalf of Fr Jean Bosco Ntirenganya Provincial delegate of the Salesian family for the work done to make the day colourful. The celebration ended at 5 p.m. with a closing prayer and blessing from Fr Elie Nyandwi, director of Don Bosco Namugongo.
Cyprian Mbaziira sdb
