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