It was on 24th May, 2023 on the Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians at the Salesian community of Bombo. The community was filled with joy to have the extension of the Salesian Family as thirteen Salesian Cooperators made their first promise. The occasion was graced by Fr. Servilien Ufitamahoro, in whose presence the new Salesian cooperators made their promises. Fr Servilien who is the Provincial Economer, represented the provincial of AGL. Madam Anastasia, provincial delegate of the Salesian Cooperators, other priests and Christians were present to witness and welcome the new cooperators in this ceremony. At the same time, it was a great joy for the parishioners of Namaliga parish to inaugurate officially the new grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is dedicated to Mary Help of Christians.
It was during the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Servilien Ufitamahoro, that 8 women and 5 men made their first promise as Salesian Cooperators. In his welcoming speech, Fr. Joseph Mwebe, the parish priest of Namaliga wished a happy solemnity of Mary Help of Christians to all faithful who were present. He thanked in a special way the invited guests such as Fr. Servilien Ufitamahoro, Fr. Mpaji, Fr. Pascal Shauri and madam Anastasia who have honored the parish by sparing their time to attend on this occasion. He underlined that it was the first time since the beginning of the Salesian mission in Uganda that they received the promise of Salesian cooperators. He thanked God that the event took place in Bombo which is the first presence of the Salesians in Uganda. He also appreciated on the blessing of the new grotto which coincided with the solemnity of Mary Help of Christians.
In his homily, the parish priest, Fr. Joseph Mwebe, gave the etymology and narration of the celebration of this first of Mary Help of Christians and emphasized that it reminds us Christians of the victory of Christianity over the enemies of the Church.
After the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Fr. Mpaji presided over the blessing and inauguration of the grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary. After the inauguration the newly promised Salesian cooperators together with the guests and Salesians had lunch and sharing the joy of the day
Bro. François MANIRUMVA, sdb. 
