Lands, Housing and Urban Development Minister Judith Nabakooba has urged newly ordained Rev Fr Hilary Tebuseeke to remain faithful to God and make prayer the foundation of his priestly ministry.
Ms Nabakooba, who was the chief guest at a thanksgiving ceremony for Fr Tebuseeke on Sunday, said the new priest should continually seek God’s guidance as he begins his service to the Church.
The ceremony was held at Fr Tebuseeke’s parents’ home in Katuumu Village, Butuntumula Sub-county, Luweero District, following his ordination at Kasana-Luweero Diocese on August 22.
“We ask the Almighty God to strengthen you in the work you are going to begin as you dedicate yourself to serving Him,” Ms Nabakooba said.
She congratulated Fr Tebuseeke upon attaining priesthood and thanked the Bishop of Kasana-Luweero Diocese, the Rt Rev Lawrence Mukasa, for accepting him into priestly service.
Ms Nabakooba also commended Fr Tebuseeke for persevering through his years of formation, saying his ordination reflected his commitment as well as the support of the people who guided him throughout his journey.
She particularly thanked his parents for raising a son who had chosen to dedicate his life to serving God.
“Your ordination is a great fruit for your parents. It should be a source of pride and thanksgiving to your family and the wider Christian community,” she said.
Ms Nabakooba encouraged Christians to pray for the new priest, saying prayer should remain an important part of their daily lives.
She urged believers to pray at home, in their workplaces and communities and to raise children in the Christian faith.
According to Ms Nabakooba, communities that nurture children in faith are more likely to produce people who fear God and whose actions benefit society.
She also called on residents to prioritise community development, saying political differences should not hinder progress.
“Politics has ended; let us return to the development of our communities and see our area moving forward,” she said.
During the thanksgiving Mass, Rev Fr Alex Kimpi of Nandere Minor Seminary, who led the service alongside Fr Tebuseeke, reminded the newly ordained priest that priesthood is both a gift from God and a major responsibility.
“Priesthood is a gift and it is not given to everyone. Look at your journey and ask yourself how many people have failed to reach this stage,” Fr Kimpi said.
He urged Fr Tebuseeke to manage his priesthood responsibly through commitment, discipline and prayer.
“Fr Hilary, you have become a manager of priesthood, so manage it well,” he said.
Fr Kimpi also urged the new priest to allow the Holy Spirit to guide his ministry and remain close to Jesus Christ through prayer and practice.
“Do not only pray; be a person of prayer,” he said.
He further asked Christians to support and pray for Fr Tebuseeke, noting that priesthood comes with a heavy responsibility that requires the support of the faithful.
Fr Kimpi encouraged the new priest not to fear the responsibilities ahead, saying God equips those He calls.
“Whoever God sends, let him not fear because He tells you: ‘I have put my words in your mouth,’” he said.
