ARCHBISHOP SSEMOGERERE INSTALLED

On 25th January 2022, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere was installed as the fourth Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese at Lubaga Cathedral  by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco. He is the successor to the late Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.

Archbishop Ssemogerere reflected on the challenges that Ugandans face in his homily, including the coronavirus pandemic, youth unemployment, and societal inequalities.

“I have come to encourage you that many of these challenges seem to raise against us to the point of paralysing us, but in such conditions, let us use the pastoral slogan, of the Kampala Archdiocese for this year, Do not be afraid, rise up pick up your mat and walk (Mark 2:11).” Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere said.

Let us always remember to pray for our Shepherd in his new ministry.

Fri 28, Jan 2022 08:01 am

LET US COUNT OUR BLESSINGS!

Just like this past Christmas, of last week, this is also my very first New Year here at Naggulu. I am delighted to celebrate it with you; my dear parishioners, St. Jude Thaddeus devotees and you all friends of this Parish- which is also the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus.

Happy New Year to you all my dear beloved!

I wish also to congratulate my brother Priests; Fr. Ignatias Mbaziira   and Fr. Jude Kyekulidde upon this New Year!

This past year 2021 has been quite challenging in many ways to most of us, if not all of us. However, not all was lost; the very fact that you are able to listen to me or hold this message in your two hands, that is a blessing in itself. The fact that you are living today; that is a blessing. Life itself is one of God’s greatest miracles in spite the many problems that come our way. We thank God nonetheless. In October 2006, an American gospel music singer Guy Penrod released a song called “Count your blessings”; I am sure many of you know it. I find it quite instructive: despite our many problems, God will always take care of us. Let me share the first two verses here (it is very likely that some of you can sing this song):

When upon life's billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged
Thinking all is lost

Count your many blessings
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the lord has done

That song seems to relate with the new theme of Kampala Archdiocese which we got on 31^st October 2021, at the annual Archdiocesan Day. It goes:” DO NOT BE AFRAID; RISE UP, PICK YOUR MAT AND GO.” (Mark 2: 11).

We have had low moments in life, for example; the covid-19 pandemic, the death of our dear ones, the loss of jobs and businesses, name them; they are quite many. Despite all that, we have something to thank God for. This past year; 36 adults got baptized; 72 children, aged one year and below were baptised; 159 children aged one to seven years got baptized; and also 39 who were above seven received this Sacrament. We were also blessed with 154 children who did their First Holy Communion (in Luganda Kalimwezi); 73 received the Sacrament of Confirmation and 37 did their Solemn Commitment (Omugigi, in Luganda). And then we had 12 marriages (with only one couple as Naggulu Parishioners).

By the grace of God, we successfully held the three annual National Novenas to St. Jude Thaddeus; and also marked the national celebrations of St. Jude Feast here on 28^th October, wherein His Grace, the Most   Reverend Paul Ssemogerere, was Main Celebrant.

It would not be fair if I didn’t say something about what is at the heart of most of us: “THE CITY”! That is our church construction project and all its associated developments here at the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus. I wish to thank you for your financial support   towards this project. Though we may not have something physical to show, a lot of background work is being (and has been) done by the Building Committee as a whole. I appreciate the commitment, sacrifices and the energy of each and every one on this committee in this past year, 2021.  In brief, allow me to lay out some achievements and challenges. 

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS

a. We submitted our revised architectural designs to KCCA for statutory approval on the 18^th June 2020 and structural drawings on the 23^rd April 2021. By the grace of God, we received the approvals on the 27^th October 2021. That date is memorable; that was when we were concluding the novena to St. Jude Thaddeus!

b. The Quantity Surveyors prepared the Bill of Quantities (BOQs) which were issued to prospective contractors to come up with cost estimates.

c. The building committee put in place a Contracts sub-committee whose task is to do a contractor selection and contract negotiation.

d. Out of nine potential contractors, only five were able to submit their bids on the 4^th August 2021; and the opening was also done on the same day.

e. The Fundraising sub-committee is continuously mobilizing funds for this big and important project whose cost is 6,497,228,066 (Six Billion Four Hundred Ninety Seven Million, Two Hundred Twenty Eight Thousand and Sixty Six Shillings.)

f. The building committee was able to introduce two additional avenues through which we can contribute funds towards the project, that is through;

· The Merchant code 1204524 using Airtel

· The website which supports Airtel & MTN users, and for those in the diaspora using Visa and Master cards.

PROJECT CHALLENGES

a. Covid 19 pandemic: affected the church project with restricted movements and lockdown. Because of this pandemic, people could hardly meet to pray, strategize and fundraise.

b. Death: some members on the building committee passed on, notably amongst others; our chairman Mr. F.X Kitaka, Mrs. Regina Mukiibi, Mrs. Mary Kayongo and Fr. Godfrey Kyeyune. 

c. Low economy: due to the lockdown and loss of jobs/businesses, people were not working, yet the church depends on their support.

d. It took us long to receive approvals from Kampala Capital City Authority.

e. Donor fatigue   

CONCLUSION

We give thanks to God through our patron saints; Mother Mary and Saint Jude Thaddeus for enabling us get where we are now. Gratitude goes to members of the building and technical committees for the sacrifices they have made and their tireless efforts. Needless to say, is the invaluable support that we are getting from you dear Parishioners, Friends of Naggulu and St. Jude Thaddeus devotees. Rest assured that when contractor-negotiations and other matters are resolved, we shall commence the construction.

Lastly, my humble appeal to you is that; please, continue to support this project with your prayers and with moral and financial assistance. Together, we shall succeed.

May the Almighty God continue to bless you. Happy New Year; Let us count our blessings!

Sat 01, Jan 2022 02:01 am

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ of the Naggulu, Our Lady and St. Jude Family,

At this special time of the year, we celebrate the coming of our Saviour, who came into our world in the humblest of circumstances and was welcomed in the first place by poor shepherds who were the first to be told about the good news! “Today in the town of Bethlehem a Saviour is born to you, who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11

Christmas greetings to you wherever you are today, every family has their own special way of marking Christmas, their own traditions which are often handed down from our parents or grandparents. Irrespective of our different traditions, we are still united as one Naggulu Parish Family in remembering and celebrating the birth of Christ our Saviour.

Christmas, is a family time, where all families come back home to be together for the feast. It therefore, reminds us that families are important for our own wellbeing and for the society we live in. They nourish us, support us and give us a sense of belonging. The family is also the primary cell of the Church, the place where faith is nurtured and grows in us, for that reason it is sometimes called the domestic Church.

Because families are important, homes are very important too and should always be graced with peace and love. Without a home it is very hard to have a family life, therefore, as we celebrate Christmas this year, let us think about our brothers and sisters living on the streets of Kampala who have not had a chance to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, because they have no homes to turn back to! The tens of thousands who are living in dire poverty, the displaced brothers and sisters due to various reasons, to mention but a few.

Let us also remember and pray for the many families who have lost their dear ones, especially our parishioners, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, in the past year, and especially those who couldn’t mark their passing as they would have loved due to the restrictions, may their souls rest in eternal peace!

For Christians, Christmas challenges us to open our hearts and our homes in compassion to those who are in need, the grieving, the sick, the homeless, and the refugees. Christmas makes them feel lonelier and isolated than ever, hence, the need to share love and comfort with them.

I believe no Christmas message would be complete without a plea for humility which is the key to God’s heart. Let us strive to maintain humility, peace in our hearts, homes, communities, places of work and the entire country, by avoiding actions that disrupt peace.

I also wish to take this opportunity, to say a word of thanks to our Priests Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Bbuye, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Mbaziira and Rev. Fr. Jude Kyekulidde for the great pastoral work you do in our Parish, thank you so much and may the good Lord continue to guide you.

Our Catechists, the Parish Administration/Support team, our Parish Volunteers, the Parish Council, and to you all dear parishioners, as well as friends of Naggulu Parish, who have contributed so generously towards the running of our Parish, in terms of prayers, advise, finances, and social support, may the good Lord bless the work of your hands.

Let 2022 be a year of increased faith, peace and love for one another, forgiveness, honesty, integrity, reconciliation, repentance, hard work and commitment in our respective callings by God, as we continue to develop our Parish spiritually, socially and economically.

May our Patron Saints, Mother Mary of Perpetual Succour and St. Jude Thaddeus continue to intercede for each one of us throughout the New Year!

Wishing you all a peaceful and memorable Christmas day, and may the joy of Christ’s birth embrace you and your families with abundant love, peace, joy and hope.

Please keep safe and mindful about the Covid-19 pandemic as well your personal security during this festive season.

Much Love and prayers,

Margaret Sheila Matovu

Sat 25, Dec 2021 00:12 am

LET US SHARE THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Sat 25, Dec 2021 00:12 am

NAGGULU PARISH PROGAM FOR HOLY MASS

Greetings to you all Naggulu parishioners.

Following the easing of the covid-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions on places of worship, we wish to announce that; the church will be fully open to congregants with effect from, Friday 24th September 2021, at 6: 30 A.M.

We shall be running our regular Mass times as follows:

a) Week days: Mass at 6:30 A.M, 7:00 A.M and at  1 P.M.

b) Sunday Mass: 7 A.M, 8 A.M, 9 A.M, 10:30 A.M, 12 P.M, 1: 30 P.M and at 5:00 P.M

c)The Sacrament of Penance:  Saturdays after the 7A.M. Mass. It is possible to have confessions on request in the course of the week.

d) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays at 5:30P.M. In the course of the week you are welcome to do personal adoration at the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.

Please when here at church, please observe the Standard Operating Proecedures (SOPs) that the Government prescibed to limit the spreed of Covid - 19. These procedures, just to remind ourselves, are among others; wearing face masks at all times, washing of hands using soap/ using alcahol based hand sanitisers, and maintaning a social distance of atleast two meters from one person to another.

For inquiries, please contact the Parish office. 

Many thanks.

Fri 24, Sep 2021 08:09 am

BANNS OF MARRIAGE

Mon 13, Sep 2021 15:09 pm

FRIENDLY LIONS VISIT NAGGULU

On September 4th, 2021, the Lions Club of Kampala East visited our Parish and brought some gifts to  senior citizens in our community. The District Governor Lion John Bosco Ntangaare and the President of Lions Club Kampala East Lion Patrick Mugenyi gave out the donations, on behalf of the rest of the Lions. The guests were received by; the Chaplain of the Good Samaritan Ministry, Fr Joseph Kaseeta; Mrs. Grace Kariisa , Chairperson of the Ministry and other members of the  team.

We thank the Lions Club for their demonstration of care and love towards the needy, especially in these challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. May God reward them abundantly.

Mon 06, Sep 2021 13:09 pm

NOTE OF APPRECIATION FROM THE GOOD SAMARITAN MINISTRY

Greetings dear Parishioners of Our Lady and St Jude Naggulu Parish and all people of God.

We are undergoing a challenging time where we cannot congregate together and pray to our Lord due to restrictions caused by the Covid 19 Pandemic. We have lost some of our Parishioners, many of us have lost loved ones and by God’s Grace others are recovering though this stage also needs serious management. The Good Samaritans offer condolences to all who have been affected in one way or another and we pray to the Lord for His mighty blessings.

We have come to you in thanksgiving for all the support we receive from you Parishioners that enables us to look after the needy people in our community. During this lock-down we have been able to supply food stuffs to 115 parishioners who are in dire need. We specifically convey our appreciation to the families of Mrs. Betty Ocwet, Dr. Vinand Nantulya and Mrs Nkurukenda for their overwhelming financial support. We also thank those people who in their own volition directly offer financial and physical support to some people in our community.

To the members of the Good Samaritan Ministry of the Parish, thank you for the extra effort you put in ensuring that the Ministry accomplishes its responsibilities. This is calling that you have done quite well and please continue. Our members take extra responsibility to know the people in their communities which enables us to care for those in need.

Being a Good Samaritan is one of the best ways of evangelization and in particular fulfills Jesus commandment of loving our neighbour.  We therefore call upon you for your support whether in kind by offering food stuffs; or financially to cater for the needs and requirements of the ministry in looking after the poor and/or physically join the Ministry. We visit the sick, the vulnerable, the poor, the physically handicapped, and all in any kind of need. We also carry out counseling when approached.

Any kind of Support to the needy may be channeled through the leaders of the Ministry, the Priests and our Centenary Bank account,

ACCOUNT NAME: ST JUDE NAGGULU GOOD SAMARITAN

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 3620600001

Tobit 12: 8 “Prayer and fasting are good, but better than either is alms giving accompanied by righteousness.”

We thank you all and pray to the Lord for your good health and financial stability.

For and on behalf of the Good Samaritan Ministry.

Wed 28, Jul 2021 11:07 am

SECOND SOLEMN ANNUAL NOVENA TO ST. JUDE IS CONCLUDED

My dear parishioners of Naggulu, friends and devotees of St. Jude Thaddeus, Greetings and best wishes from the National Shrine of St. Jude Devotion.

Like it was last year (2020), because of the covid-19 pandemic, we have again had our novena remotely. We have not gathered here at the National Shrine to say our prayers as a family of devotees.

Nonetheless, I wish to congratulate you upon getting to this last and ninth day of this second annual National Solemn Novena to St. Jude Thaddeus.

My thanks go to all the Main celebrants: - Fr. Jude Kyekulidde, Fr. Joseph Kaseeta, Fr. Nyansio Mbaziira, and Fr. Bonaventure Ssebyanzi. Not to be left out is the concelebrant, Fr. Edward Muwanga.

I thank Radio Maria for broadcasting the novena Mass daily at 1:00 P. M. from here at National Shrine. I also wish to thank our social media team for streaming this Mass live, particularly through Facebook. May I extend another vote of thanks to Radio Sapientia for relaying this (recorded) Mass in the evenings for the spiritual benefit of those who for one reason or other, would not "attend” the Mass live.

The ‘General Secretary’ of the Devotion, Ms. Winnie Namatovu, the choir that led the liturgical singing during Mass and all the organizers on all levels also deserve a big thank you for a job well done. 

At the moment, we are living under challenging conditions that have been imposed onto us by covid-19. Many of us, our friends and relatives have suffered from this sickness in different ways. Some of our friends and relatives have lost jobs, have had their businesses closed and others have died. I wish to sincerely commiserate with you all during these desperate times. Most recently, we lost Mrs. Regina Naluyima Mukiibi Mugongo, a devotee to St. Jude and member of the Building Committee of Our Lady and St Jude City. She was laid to rest yesterday. To her and to all our departed dear ones, may the Lord show them His Merciful eyes and admit them to His right hand side.

Yes, we are in difficult, desperate and almost hopeless times. However; let us not forget the timeless promise of the Lord:" When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown... (Isaiah 43:2-4). This is an assurance from the Lord himself. This promise of the Lord's love is brought closer to us by St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron of all those who are desperate and hopeless (just like many of us today). The pain that we are going through is not permanent, it will last only for a moment; our God of great and timeless promises will deliver us from our pain at His appropriate time.

In spite of the difficult times that we find ourselves in, kindly permit me to make an appeal to all of you. For so many years as St. Jude devotees and friends of Naggulu Parish, we have been known to be compassionate to the needy (Bakateyamba). We have been donating assorted items; this time however, during this covid-19 lockdown, I wish to request you to support the needy with food. You may make your donation in cash or in-kind. As the headquarters of the devotion, we know where to direct the donations. I will be very grateful for your support towards the starving needy.

Let us continue to seek God's mercy through St. Jude Thaddeus. May God bless you all.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Bbuye,

Parish Priest of Naggulu and National Director of St Jude Devotion

Tel: 0752 049 333 / 0787365640

Sat 10, Jul 2021 15:07 pm

NAGGULU PARISH AT  67 YEARS!

As we are all aware, we are living in a challenging situation, where we cannot congregate as a family, to give thanks to God for our Parish, and also to celebrate the Feast Day of our Patron Saint, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, like we normally do. Nevertheless, allow me to congratulate you all upon the 67 years of our Parish existence! 

I wish to thank each one of you, Parishioners and Friends of Naggulu Parish, for your selfless spiritual, social and financial support that you continuously render towards the development of our beautiful Parish.

I invite each one of us, to take a moment to reflect on the sublime legacies of our departed Priests which will forever remain dear in our hearts.

Let’s take a minute of silence to remember all our dear departed Priests, parishioners, family members and friends of Naggulu Parish, who have returned back to the Lord.

Eternal rest grant unto them Oh Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon them, may they Rest in Peace, Amen. 

I would like to thank our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Bbuye, his Assistants, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kaseeta and Rev. Fr. Ignatius Mbaziira, together with our team of Catechists, headed by Sr. Immaculate Namakula, for your spiritual nourishment and guidance which you altruistically offer to us.

Bakulu tweyanza nnyo omulimu omulungi gwe mutukolamu! 

May the good Lord continue to guide you and bless you as you work in his Vineyard.

Not forgetting the entire Parish Administration and Support Staff, thank you so much for always taking good care of our Parish.

Our 2021 Parish Day Theme is: 

MY PARISH, MY RESPONSIBILITY, TAKE COURAGE AND BUILD!

“I AM WITH YOU.”

Haggai 2:4

PARISH YANGE BUVUNANYIZIBWA BWANGE.

MUGUME MUZIMBE!

“KUBANGA NDI NAMMWE.”

Haggai 2:4

We are in the final preparations stage regarding the commencement of the construction of our Church. It is our Church, it is our Parish, so let us all get on board to build this magnificent House of the Lord! 

Thank you very much for your continued prayers and selfless contributions made towards this project. 

I wish to encourage you not to lose hope, but rather maintain our steadfast resolve to ensure that we successfully complete our project as per schedule.

I have no doubt, by the grace of God, that if we work as a team, we shall undoubtedly achieve our goal. 

Wishing you all a peaceful day full of blessings! 

May Mother Mary of Perpetual Help and St. Jude Thaddeus, our Patron Saints, continue to intercede for each one of us, especially during these unprecedented times as we battle with the gruesome Covid-19 pandemic.

We are each other’s keeper, so kindly endeavor to check on one other, to give emotional support in terms of prayer, encouragement, re-assurance and compassion, by sharing the little we have with one another.

Please keep safe and take good care of yourselves. 

May God bless you all and comfort you!

Margaret Sheila Matovu

Head of Laity, Our Lady and St. Jude Parish, Naggulu

Tue 06, Jul 2021 15:07 pm