On Wednesday 19th March, 2025, on the Solemnity of St. Joseph the Husband of Mary, the Community of Don Bosco CALM- Namugongo celebrated the Feast of Our Holy Founder, Saint John Bosco. The feast was centered on the theme: “Anchored in Hope, Pilgrims with the Young People”.
The celebrations started at 10:30am with the Solemn Mass presided over by His Grace Paul SSEMOGERERE, the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, concelebrated by eight priests and one deacon.
In his homily, His Grace the Archbishop said: “my dear Salesians, Religious, distinguished guests, dear young people, all of you gathered here, I am very happy to be with you once again. I am here because you are here, my dear children, and I am glad to be with you. Know that I love you and keep you in my prayers always.” We are celebrating two solemnities: the solemnity of a humble, simple, obedient servant of God, Saint Joseph who accepted the will of the Father without hesitation. He accepted a big responsibility and became a responsible husband to Mary. It is very Good News for us because we are celebrating Saint Joseph who helped our Holy Founder, Saint John Bosco, to carry on his mission among the young courageously and full of hope in God. Through Don Bosco, let us learn to accept God’s will in our lives, to love each other without conditions, be proud of each other.
After the Holy Mass there followed the entertainments, made of Acrobatics, Brass Band, Music Band, cultural and modern dance, and a moment of speeches.
In his speech, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) representative said that they really appreciate the work of the Salesians in the region: “what you are doing for our children and young people here is very well appreciated. The work of educating is not to be left to one side; it is a complementary responsibility: parents, educators, and children themselves.”
Fr Paschal Shauri, Rector of the Community, thanked everyone for sacrificing their time and join the celebrations: “my dear all, allow me to humbly recognize the presence of each of us. What you are doing restlessly for the ongoing mission at Namugongo is highly appreciated. May God bless you all.” He ended his speech by offering a goat to the Archbishop as a sign of gratitude.
After receiving a “big chicken with four legs” – as they called it -, His Grace P. Ssemogerere thanked the Salesians whose work is positively sounding for all the beneficiaries. The Salesians, he said, are educating the society of today and tomorrow, evangelizing and forming the Church’s bright future we all need. To conclude, he blessed the food and opened the moment of fraternal ‘agapè’ for all who were present.
Fr. Célestin NTAKIYIMANA, SDB
