FROM LENT TO RESURRECTION: A MESSAGE OF FAITH, CHARITY AND UNITY

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!

As we celebrate the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you, our parishioners, friends of Naggulu, and devotees of St. Jude Thaddeus, for your dedication, faith, and perseverance throughout the Lenten season.

From the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, 18^th February 2026, we journeyed together as a Parish family through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These pillars of the Lenten season have not only helped us grow closer to God, but they have also strengthened the bonds of faith and solidarity within our Parish community.

During this Lenten season, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, reminded the faithful that Lent is a privileged time to renew our hearts through prayer, fasting, and charity. The Holy Father encouraged Christians to listen attentively to the Word of God and to the cries of the poor, and to allow the season to transform our hearts so that we may become instruments of compassion, peace, and reconciliation in the world.

In the same spirit, the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere, in his Ash Wednesday homily, urged Christians to use the Lenten season to renew their spiritual lives and avoid actions that could put their lives at risk. He described Lent as a time of spiritual battle, reminding the faithful that “Lent is a period to fight the works of Satan through prayer, fasting, and repentance.”

The Archbishop further emphasized the importance of charity and reconciliation, encouraging Christians to return to God, support those in need, and seek reconciliation with one another. He also noted that this year’s Lenten season coincided with the Muslim fasting period, inviting all believers to unite in prayer for our country and for peace within our communities.

In a special way, I would like to thank all those who put the spirit of charity into action during this Lenten season. On Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, the Good Samaritan Ministry of our Parish extended a helping hand to the needy members of our community. They were served lunch and also received hampers of foodstuffs. This act of compassion reflects the Gospel call to love and serve one another, especially the poor and vulnerable among us. I commend all those who generously contributed their time, resources, and effort to make this charitable initiative possible.

Dear brothers and sisters, the spiritual practices we embraced during Lent should not end with the season. Rather, they should become part of our daily Christian life. Let us continue to be prayerful people, both individually and as families. Let us practice fasting that purifies our hearts and strengthens our commitment to God. And let us continue to be generous in charity, especially toward the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable members of our community.

As a parish family, we are also reminded that the construction of our church is still underway. Much work remains to be done, and more resources are required for its completion. I therefore humbly appeal to your generosity and spirit of sacrifice so that together we may complete this important project. It is our prayer that we may soon move from our present small temporary place of worship into a larger and more fitting church - a shrine that will better accommodate our growing Parish and the many devotees who come to seek the intercession of St. Jude Thaddeus.

Allow me also to express my sincere gratitude for the support and collaboration you have shown to the Priests, the Parish Pastoral Council, and all the agents of evangelization in our Parish. Your commitment and cooperation have enabled us to carry out our pastoral mission with diligence and love.

I encourage all of us to remain united as one parish family - from our homes and Small Christian Communities to the wider Parish community. We must avoid any forms of division based on politics, language, tribe, or social differences. Such divisions weaken the Body of Christ. Instead, let us build a community founded on unity, mutual respect, and Christian love.

The Resurrection reminds us that suffering and death never have the final word. Jesus endured the cross for our salvation, but on the third day He rose again in glory. In His Resurrection, we find the assurance that even in the darkest moments of our lives, God is preparing a new dawn for us. Therefore, let us move forward with renewed faith and hope. Let the light of the Risen Christ guide our lives, strengthen our families, and renew our parish community.

As we celebrate this Easter season, I wish each one of you a blessed, joyful, and peaceful Easter.

May the Risen Lord fill your hearts with hope, strengthen your faith, and guide us as we continue to grow together in faith, unity, and love.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

Tue 14, Apr 2026 04:04 am