Clerics have called for patience, hope and promotion of peace among youth, noting that youthful life is the most challenging stage in human growth.
They noted that youth without hope find it hard to make good decisions and choices thus calling for God’s intervention to restore lost hope among the youth.
“Hope does not disappoint and patience pays. When you hold on hope, good things await you, and a person with hope works towards achieving good things,” Kisubi Seminary’s Rev Fr Simon Peter Buyondo said, during his sermon in commemoration of Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral Youth Parish day on August 16.
The celebrations were anchored on this year’s theme of Hope and were graced by Lands minister, Judith Nabakooba as Chief Guest.
Youth were told to have faith in Jesus Christ, who surrendered his life for the sins of man. “Hope is in Jesus Christ-if you want to have hope, believe and trust in Him.”
Fr Buyondo also called for unity, rallying youth to build brotherhood and sisterhood. This can only be achieved through pooling efforts together during mass gatherings that unite them like the youth day.
He said youth tend to dodge these celebrations, claiming to be busy, not knowing this is the only way they can get to know each other.
Additionally, youth were asked to engage in different church activities, including receiving of holy sacraments, particularly the Holy Matrimony. Fr Buyondo said youth have a tendency of playing around with girls by jumping from one relationship to another.
“Don’t date more than one person at ago. Choose your spouse and present them to God through holy Matrimony, that’s what the Church is advocating for.”
Rev Fr Remigius Ssekisambu, who represented the parish priest in his absence, encouraged youth to embrace church activities, including participating in celebrations, noting that these are the only avenues they can have spiritual and personal growth.
“When you have gatherings such as this, pick out something important that will transform your life. We discuss developmental issues, let such engagements be an eye opener.”
“Don’t settle for less. Avoid engaging in activities that bar you from having hope. Always aspire for greatness,” he added.
Fr Ssekisambu said youth who are not groomed in God are very hard to deal with. They engage in unscrupulous activities like taking drugs and a lot of bad behaviours such as theft, hypocrisy, and hatred for one another.
“As youth growing up in faith, be exemplary and do activities that inspire more youth to join you.”
The youth chaplain, Rev Fr Richard Kalyango, thanked minister Nabakooba for being supportive to the youth in all activities they inform her about.
He said as a parish, they are ready to work for the development of the youth. He revealed a planned move to start up an events organising project, hiring tents and chairs and make decorations at events.
The Chief guest and minister of lands, Nabakooba, added her voice to the clerics, urging youth to have all their hope in God, noting that a Godly person is like a rock, they cannot easily be diverted from the truth.
Reflecting on how God has done wonders in her life, she said a person with God is always a conqueror.
“I attribute all what I have achieved to having faith. Put God first in whatever you, and He will reward you by doing greatness in your life,” Ms Nabakooba said.
She however said, personal growth can only happen when you can afford whatever they want, thus calling them to embrace government programs such as Youth Livelihood, Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM), to start up individual projects that can change their lives.
“Work hard and strive for development. Avoid politics of interest but rather concentrate on how to move from one level to another,” she said, supporting the youth project with 100 chairs.
Joseph Nambaale, youth leader in Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, appreciated the minister for not getting tired of them in all ways. He said Nabakooba has been so supportive to the Church, through guidance and financial support.
