Wishing you a prosperous, peaceful, and spiritually enriching New Year 2025!

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Dear Beloved Parishioners, of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and St Jude Parish,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we end 2024 and step into the year 2025, we are filled with gratitude for the manifold blessings of God, who has carried us through another year. This is a time to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future with faith and hope.

Responding to the Challenges Around Us

This past year has been marked by significant challenges in our nation. Natural disasters like landslides (Buduuda), tragic road accidents, garbage site collapses (Kiteezi), and the impact of illnesses have claimed many lives. These events remind us of the fragility of life and the call to care for one another. Let us not only pray for the affected families but also actively support them through acts of charity, solidarity, and advocacy for safer communities. As disciples of Christ, we are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16), bringing hope and healing wherever there is despair.

A Call to Deepen Our Spiritual Journey

Amid life’s uncertainties, we are invited to draw closer to God, the source of our strength and peace. This year, I encourage each of you to prioritize your spiritual growth. Let us participate more actively in the Eucharist, the sacraments, and parish activities. Set aside time for personal and family prayer, and immerse yourselves in the Word of God. In the words of St. Augustine, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” May our spiritual lives be a fountain of grace that nourishes our relationships, work, and service to others.

Announcing the Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope

As we embark on this New Year, we do so with great joy, as it is the jubilee Year, proclaimed with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.” His Grace Archbishop Ssemogerere has called on us to embrace this theme, reminding us of our collective journey of faith and hope in Christ. A Jubilee is a time of renewal, grace, and deeper communion with God and one another. As pilgrims of hope, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, who sustains us on this journey and calls us to be bearers of hope to a world in need.

Unity in Diversity: Strengthening Our Parish Family

Our Lady and St. Jude Parish is uniquely blessed with a rich tapestry of ethnicities, cultures, and traditions. This diversity is not a challenge but a gift, reflecting the universality of the Church. In the spirit of the Jubilee Year, I encourage all of us to foster unity in diversity. Let us celebrate our differences as expressions of God’s creativity while working together as one family in Christ. St. Paul’s words in Galatians 3:28 resonate deeply: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” May our parish be a shining example of harmony and mutual respect.

Faith, Hope, and Courage: Pillars for 2025

As we embrace the opportunities and challenges of this New Year, let us be inspired by the faith of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose solemnity we honor as Catholics. Her unwavering trust in God’s plan, even in the face of uncertainty, is a beacon of hope for us. May her example guide us to say “Yes” to God’s will in our own lives, trusting that He will provide the strength and wisdom we need.

Faith anchors us in God’s promises, hope propels us forward, and courage enables us to overcome obstacles. Whether in our personal goals, family responsibilities, or communal endeavors, let us persevere with these virtues, confident that “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Unity and Responsible Citizenship

As we prepare for the country’s general elections in 2026, we must cultivate unity and peace. Let us remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God and the common good. Political differences should not divide us; rather, they should inspire constructive dialogue rooted in mutual respect and understanding. When choosing leaders, let us consider candidates who embody integrity, vision, and a genuine commitment to the development of our nation. Guided by the Church’s social teachings, let us contribute to building a society that upholds justice, human dignity, and the sanctity of life.

Strengthening Our Parish Mission

Our parish is a living community of faith, hope, and love. This year, let us renew our commitment to the mission of the Church: to evangelize, serve the poor, and witness to the Gospel in all aspects of life. Whether through contributing to parish projects, volunteering in ministries, or extending a hand to those in need, each of us has a role to play. Together, we can make Our Lady and St. Jude Parish a beacon of God’s light in Naggulu and beyond.

A Heart Full of Gratitude

The progress made in our parish’s construction project is a tangible sign of God’s presence among us. Your unwavering generosity and commitment have brought us another step closer to our vision of a new church that will stand for generations to come. Each brick laid and each sacrifice made is a testament to the unity and resilience of our community. Though the journey is not yet complete, let us trust in God, and continue working together with steadfast dedication.   Psalm

127:1 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders’ labor in vain.”

A Blessing for the New Year

Beloved brothers and sisters, as we embark on the journey of 2025, let us place our trust in God’s providence. I pray that the Lord will bless you abundantly, guide your steps, and fill your hearts with His peace. Let us approach this year with gratitude, determination, and an unwavering commitment to live as faithful Disciples of Christ.

As the Lord instructed Moses (Numbers 6:22-27), I offer you this blessing: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” May this blessing accompany you throughout the year and inspire you to be a blessing to others.

Wishing you a prosperous, peaceful, and spiritually enriching New Year 2025!

In Christ’s Love,

Rev Fr. Joseph Mary Bbuye

PARISH PRIEST

 

Tue 07, Jan 2025 02:01 am