The Catholic Church in Uganda has commemorated 145 years since the first sacrament of Baptism was administered in the country on March 27, 1880, at Mapeera Nabulagala.
This historic site, now home to St. John Baptist Nabulagala Parish, is one of the 73 parishes in the Archdiocese of Kampala.
The celebration was marked by a solemn Mass attended by clergy, religious leaders, and hundreds of faithful.
During the ceremony, four individuals received the sacrament of Confirmation, publicly affirming their commitment to the Catholic faith, while 157 children renewed their baptism vows, a significant milestone in their spiritual journey.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Richard Nyombi, Episcopal Vicar for Religious in the Kampala Archdiocese, urged the newly confirmed and first communicants to remain steadfast in their faith.
He reminded them that their journey as Christians does not end with receiving the sacraments but requires a continuous commitment to live according to the teachings of Christ.
Fr. Nyombi emphasized the importance of reading the Bible, participating in the sacraments, and embracing Catholic values to strengthen their faith.
He encouraged them to look up to the Ugandan Martyrs, whose unwavering commitment to their faith serves as a model of courage and perseverance.
He further called upon parents and guardians to take an active role in nurturing the spiritual growth of their children.
He noted that faith must be cultivated at home through prayer, moral guidance, and active participation in the life of the Church.
As the Church marks this historic milestone, it continues to celebrate the enduring legacy of faith in Uganda, reflecting on the sacrifices of early missionaries and the growth of Catholicism across the country.
The event served as a reminder of the Church’s mission to evangelize and strengthen the spiritual foundation of its believers.
By Charles Katabalwa
27th Mar, 2025
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