The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt Rev Severus Jjumba, has urged Catholic faithful to emulate the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary by strengthening their faith, practising responsible parenting and serving others.
Bishop Jjumba made the call on Saturday during Mass at Kitovu Cathedral in Masaka as Catholics celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which commemorates the Catholic belief that Mary was taken into heaven, body and soul.
The bishop described Mary as a powerful example of faith and responsible motherhood, saying she cared for and nurtured Jesus Christ while remaining faithful to God throughout her life.
“Let’s pray that Mother Mary intercedes for us because she is the mirror of how we shall look like at the end of our life,” Bishop Jjumba said.
He urged parents to raise their children with strong moral and spiritual values, saying proper parenting is important in preparing children to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
Bishop Jjumba also warned parents against concentrating on raising girls while neglecting boys. He said both boys and girls require equal love, care, guidance and attention.
“You tend to focus on a girl child and abandon the boys. After raising your girls, they will end up marrying those boys you don’t take care of,” he said.
The bishop stressed that parenting should be a shared responsibility between mothers and fathers. He urged parents not to leave the responsibility of raising children to one person.
“A child is for both parents; don’t leave all responsibilities for one person,” he said.
He recalled visiting a school where he found some boys poorly groomed and questioned why parents would allow their children to leave home without proper care. He said parents must pay attention not only to their children’s education but also to their hygiene, discipline and general wellbeing.
Lands, Housing and Urban Development Minister Judith Nabakooba, who attended the celebrations, echoed the bishop’s message and encouraged parents to work together in educating and nurturing their children.
Nabakooba also urged Catholics to pray for their leaders, particularly those responsible for planning and delivering public services.
“Pray for your leaders and put it at the back of your minds that you are pilgrims on this earth,” she said, reminding the faithful to live purposeful lives and remain conscious of their spiritual responsibilities.
The minister further called on Church leaders to help mobilise communities to benefit from government poverty alleviation programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model.
She said religious institutions can play an important role in encouraging communities to participate in programmes aimed at improving household incomes and livelihoods.
The Feast of the Assumption is one of the major celebrations in the Catholic Church calendar and provides an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her faith, obedience and dedication to God.
