On a day filled with deep gratitude and joy, the faithful gathered at Our Lady of Africa Mbuya Parish to witness the Priestly Ordination of Rev. Fr. Jude Ssabayinda, MCCJ, of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus.
The solemn celebration was presided over by His Lordship Bishop Giuseppe Filippi, Bishop Emeritus of Kotido Diocese. In attendance were Rev. Fr. Anthony Kibira Kimbowa, Provincial Superior of the Comboni Missionaries, our Parish Priest Fr. James Patrick Jjumba, many Comboni priests, and clergy from the Archdiocese of Kampala. St. Paul Choir Mbuya Parish, along with the sacristy team and altar servers, beautifully animated the Mass, creating an atmosphere of prayer and thanksgiving.
In his message, Bishop Filippi reminded all present that priesthood is a life poured out in service for the love of God and neighbor. Echoing the spirit of synodality, he emphasized the importance of listening to one another, walking together, and building the Church as a communion of brothers and sisters — a vision championed by Pope Francis. He encouraged Fr. Jude, and all of us, to live as generous missionaries of the Gospel, rooted in the joy of faith, love, and truth.
Rev. Fr. Anthony Kibira Kimbowa expressed his profound gratitude to the Bishop, the Archdiocese of Kampala, and everyone involved in preparing for this beautiful celebration. He also highlighted a powerful lesson shared during the liturgy: the need to overcome the “I” — the ego — that often prevents us from being faithful and credible witnesses of Christ. Fr. Jude was urged to be a generous co-worker in the mission entrusted by God, a mission that now calls him to Ethiopia, as officially announced by Fr. Anthony.
In an emotional and heartfelt speech, Fr. Jude Ssabayinda thanked all those who had walked with him on his journey to the priesthood: his parents, family, Comboni formators, brother priests, friends, and the wider Christian community. He promised to live out his missionary vows with obedience and joy, ready to serve anywhere across the world, embracing different peoples, cultures, and languages. With humility, he asked the congregation to continually keep him in their prayers as he embarks on his priestly mission.
The day concluded with joyful celebrations, photography sessions, and a luncheon in the kindergarten hall, where friends and family gathered to continue celebrating this milestone of grace.
As we rejoice in Fr. Jude’s ordination, we are reminded that every vocation is a gift from God — a sign of His continuing love for His Church. We congratulate Fr. Jude and entrust him to the maternal care of Our Lady and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as he begins his mission in Ethiopia.
Ad multos annos, Fr. Jude! May your ministry be fruitful and your joy contagious!
Â
