Farewell Tribute to Fr. George J Lucus, Abwooli, C.S.C Gone Yet Not Forgotten

Today, October 28th, would have been the birthday of the late Fr. George J. Lucas, C.S.C. but it’s now less than 48 hours before his send-off ceremony. While we could be sending him birthday wishes and prayers, we are now just hours away from his burial.

The consolation for me is in Revelation 14:13: “And I heard a voice from heaven saying,

‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.’”

Rest in Peace, Fr. George J. Lucas, C.S.C.

As I reflect on the life of Rev. George Lucas, affectionately known as “Abwooli” (one of the different praise names given to people in Tooro and Bunyoro kingdoms. Each praise is carefully selected to represent the person’s traits), this tradition is much respected and used among the people of Fort Portal, where Fr. George served for years. I am filled with gratitude to celebrate him today by reflecting on the impact of his ministry on us the people of East Africa and the many other lives he touched in other parts of the world. Growing up in the picturesque village of Saaka in Fort Portal, I often heard stories of Fr. Lucas’s remarkable reputation in ministry, reaching out to communities in need and having a personal touch with people, which I can best describe as “smelling the sheep.” His praise name Abwooli, which translates to “one who is diplomatic in relationships,” truly embodies his essence—he had a unique ability to connect with people, making him a beloved figure in our community.

Fr. George had a passion for cultivating vegetables, often surrounded by friends who shared his love for gardening. While in Saaka, he had many friends from a neighboring Mubuhara village who were passionate vegetable growers. This simple yet profound joy mirrored his approach to life—nurturing relationships and fostering growth in others. He learned Rurooro and Kiswahili to better serve those in his care, reflecting his commitment to connecting with people on a personal level. A recent photo of his return to Kitete in 2020 shows him in the backyard garden of the parish with a parishioner, probably planning a farming activity. A recent photo of him in Tanzania upon his return to Kitete in 2020 shows him in the backyard garden of the parish with a parishioner, probably planning a farming activity.

Fr. Lucas, who was born on October 28, 1944, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, dedicated his life to leadership, service, and ministry to those in need. After graduating from Notre Dame High School, he is said to have entered the seminary, where he studied philosophy and theology, culminating in his ordination as a priest in 1972. His journey took him across the globe, serving parishes and schools in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania over thirty-three years. He was not just a spiritual leader; he was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to countless individuals. Many will tell you they knew him personally and remember his famous words,

“Mazimakwo Ruhanga Murungi” – Truly God is Good?

Throughout his life, Fr. Lucas held various positions, including Director of the Holy Cross Novitiate in Fort Portal and District Superior for Holy Cross in East Africa. His return to the United States and subsequent assignments in Peru further exemplified his dedication to the mission of the Holy Cross community. He mentored many in leadership and always stood by his brothers with joy. In the photo below, he is featured attending the graduation of Br. Joseph Kaganda, C.S.C., who had attained his graduate degree at Makerere University in 1996. Br. Joseph, now a passionate educator and leader at St. Joseph’s Hill S.S., termed Fr. Lucas a great mentor when it came to work and one who taught him how to “balance work and prayer.”

Br. Joseph Kaganda, C.S.C and Fr. George Lucus, C.S.C

My older sister talks very highly of Fr. George and how she encountered him through my dad, who worked for George and also loved cooking and farming—a reality not far away from me. I last met him two years ago at the University of Notre Dame when we were celebrating the Jubilees of Fr. Thomas Smith, C.S.C.,a seasoned missionary, and Lucius Atwine, C.S.C., and shared light moments of joy. He always talked about his profound missionary experience in East Africa and how much he loved his stay at Lake Saaka.

When news of his passing spread on October 21, 2024, after a brief illness, many of us felt the significant loss. But today, as I think of his birthday hours before his burial, I celebrate his legacy of love for God and his people, service to those in need, the fruits of his leadership and mentorship, which are the gifts he has left to the world. I know he is survived by his cherished friends in Holy Cross, the people he served, siblings, nieces, and nephews who will carry his memory forward.

According to the United States Province of Priests and Brothers Communication, a wake service will be held in his honor at the Chapel of Mary on the Stonehill College campus on October 29, 2024, followed by a funeral Mass the next day. Friends and family have been invited to celebrate his life and legacy, both in person and virtually through this: Funeral Mass Fr. George J. Lucas, C.S.C.

Live Stream from the Stonehill College Chapel of Mary, Funeral Mass Fr. George J. Lucas, C.S.C. Presider: Fr. Peter Jarret, C.S.C. Preacher: Fr. Thomas Smith, C.S.C.

From left: Fr. Lucius Atwine, C.S.C., Fr. Thomas Smith, C.S.C., Fr. George Lucas, C.S.C. (R.I.P.), and Br. Adolf Mugume, C.S.C.

As we bid farewell to Fr. George J. Lucas, C.S.C., let us remember his spirit of mission, his love for community, and his unwavering commitment to the service of others. May his soul rest in peace, and may we continue to embody the values he instilled in us throughout his remarkable life. I find hope in Paul’s Letter to the Romans 14:8 that points to a Christian life of totally as one committing our lives to Christ, whether in life or death as did Fr. Lucus. This scripture for me encourages feelings of peace by affirming our perpetual belonging to our sovereign Lord, whether in life or death, strengthening our resolve and comfort in knowing that our ultimate destiny is in His loving hands. Thus, Fr. George is in the loving hands of God: “If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Br. Adolf Mugume, C.S.C
Holy Cross, Roma