On Saturday, July 27, 2024, the Congregation of Holy Cross Province of East Africa celebrated a momentous occasion as Six deacons—Ahimbisibwe Herimence CSC, Ahuniriza Innocent CSC, Kule Martin C.S.C, Alinaitwe Douglas CSC, Balikuddembe Vincent CSC, and Isabirye Emmanuel CSC—were ordained to priesthood. The ordination ceremony took place at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in Kyarusozi, located in Kyenjojo District Uganda, and was presided over by the Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Portal.
Deacons in Humble Prostration: A Sacred Moment of Ordination
The event was a grand and festive affair, attended by the families of the newly ordained priests, fellow Holy Cross religious members, and a multitude of friends and lay faithful. The presence of Rev. Fr. Caxton Peter Mayanja C.S.C, the Superior of the Congregation of Holy Cross Province of East Africa, added to the significance of the celebration.
Bishop Muhiirwa Akiiki, who has a deep connection with the Holy Cross congregation, having been taught by Holy Cross brothers in his youth and being a graduate of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA, has maintained close ties with the parish and the congregation’s mission in East Africa. His regular visits to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in Kyarusozi, near Fort Portal, underscore his enduring relationship with the Holy Cross community.
The newly ordained priests are members of the Congregation of Holy Cross’s Province of East Africa, which encompasses Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Their ordination marks a significant milestone in their spiritual journey and commitment to serving the Church and the faithful in the region.
Faithful Gather in Joy: Over 5,000 Christians Attend the Holy Cross Ordination Ceremony
The ordination mass was attended by over 5,000 people, including numerous Holy Cross priests, brothers, and sisters, as well as many parishioners from Holy Cross parishes who travelled long distances, some for more than a day, to witness this sacred event. The ceremony was a beautiful and solemn liturgy, filled with prayers, hymns, and the laying on of hands by Bishop Muhiirwa Akiiki, symbolizing the apostolic succession and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Joyful Moments Gift Presentations
Following the liturgy, a celebratory lunch was served, where attendees shared in the joy and fellowship of the occasion. The celebration continued with the cutting of the cake, presentation of gifts, and lively music and dancing that extended well into the evening. The festive atmosphere was a testament to the strong sense of community and support within the Holy Cross family and the local faithful.
The ordination of these six priests is a significant addition to the mission and ministry of the Congregation of Holy Cross in East Africa. It highlights the congregation’s commitment to nurturing and supporting vocations, and their dedication to serving the spiritual and pastoral needs of the people in the region. 
As the newly ordained priests embark on their ministry, they carry with them the hopes and prayers of their community, ready to spread the message of love, faith, and service.
This joyous event not only strengthens the bonds within the Holy Cross family but also inspires future generations to pursue their calling and contribute to the mission of the Church. The Congregation of Holy Cross Province of East Africa continues to thrive and grow, guided by faith and the legacy of its founders, committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the people they serve.
Last modified: July 29, 2024
