Holy Cross Lake View SSS Marks 32 Years with the Ordination of Four Holy Cross Priests on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on 14th September 2024 was a day of grace and joy at Holy Cross Lake View Secondary School (SSS), Jinja, Uganda. The school celebrated its 32nd Anniversary while also witnessing the ordination of four Holy Cross religious into the priesthood for the Province of East Africa.

Presiding over the sacred liturgy was Rt. Rev. Patrick M. Neary, C.S.C., Bishop of St. Cloud (Minnesota, USA), who imparted wisdom, encouragement, and fatherly blessings to the ordinands.

The liturgy began with prayers invoking the saints and ancestors of Holy Cross, led by Rev. Fr. David Eliona, C.S.C. Vocations Director Rev. Fr. Peter Qorro, C.S.C. called each deacon forward, to which they responded, “Here I am.” In a deeply symbolic gesture, their parents presented them to the Church, entrusting their sons to God’s service.

In his homily, Bishop Neary spoke about the mission of priesthood in today’s world. Drawing from Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit Nos, he reminded the ordinands that true priesthood is about embracing weakness, growing in prayerful intimacy with Christ, and serving with humility. He encouraged them to imitate leaders like Pope Leo XIII, who lived close to the poor before becoming pope.

“You have been called in Holy Cross and in the Church to make God known, loved, and served,” Bishop Neary told the new priests. “Help people to discover that the Kingdom of God is within them and that the Holy Spirit dwells in their hearts.”

The rite of ordination included the examination of vows, the Litany of the Saints, the laying on of hands, and the prayer of consecration. The celebration was beautifully animated by the Holy Cross Anchors Choir.

In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Atukwatse Prosper, C.S.C., Headteacher of Holy Cross Lake View SSS, welcomed guests and congratulated the school community on its anniversary. He led a special moment of prayer for the late Patricia Akullo (S.4), who had recently passed away after battling sickle cell anemia.

Other tributes came from Rev. Fr. Mukasa Francis, C.S.C., Parish Priest of Bugembe and chair of the organizing committee, as well as a representative of the parents.

The newly ordained priests, represented by Fr. Bwanandeke Matayo, C.S.C., thanked God, Bishop Neary, their formators, parents, and the Holy Cross family for their support.

Provincial Superior, Rev. Fr. Peter Caxton Mayanja, C.S.C., congratulated the new priests for their perseverance and thanked Bishop Neary for ordaining them. He also congratulated the school for 32 years of dedicated educational service. During the celebration, Rev. Fr. James Burasa, C.S.C., launched his new book

“The Charismatic and Institutional Dimensions of the Church: The Paths to Renewal and Empowerment.”

In conclusion, Bishop Neary expressed gratitude to Bishop Charles Wamika of Jinja Diocese for the opportunity to ordain the priests, and to the Holy Cross community for its educational and pastoral contributions. He presented ordination certificates to the new priests before the joyful gathering moved into pictorials, cake-cutting, and a festive lunch.

The Newly Ordained Priests

Rev. Fr. Matayo Bwanandeke, C.S.C.

• Born: 14th January 1993 | Parents: Thembo Peter & Kabugho Peregia | 11th of 11 children
• Parish & Diocese: Ibanda Parish, Kasese Diocese
• Entered Holy Cross: 2015 | First Vows: 2019 (Saaka Novitiate) | Final Vows: 19th Oct 2024 (Nairobi)
• Ordained Deacon: 20th Oct 2024, Nairobi
• Pastoral Ministry: Procurement Office, Holy Cross Lake View SSS & Bugembe Parish
• Education: St. Matia Mulumba Primary; St. John’s Minor Seminary; Kilembe SS; Queen of Apostles Philosophy Centre, Jinja; Tangaza University College, Nairobi

Rev. Fr. Benjamin Kamushana, C.S.C.

• Born: 1st August 1995 | Parents: Kyeyune Posiano & Imelida Kimanywenda | 4th of 6 children
• Parish & Diocese: Kashorero Parish, Mbarara Diocese
• Entered Holy Cross: 2015 | First Vows: 2019 (Saaka Novitiate) | Final Vows: 19th Oct 2024
• Ordained Deacon: 20th Oct 2024
• Pastoral Ministry: St. Adolf Holy Cross Parish, Kanyabacope (Fort Portal Diocese)
• Education: Bitsya & Kazirwa Primary; Mwamba SS (O&A Level); Philosophy Centre, Jinja; Tangaza University College, Nairobi

Rev. Fr. James Nyenza, C.S.C.

• Born: 25th November 1989 | Parents: George Nyenza & Marynsiana Anthony | 4th of 6 children
• Parish & Archdiocese: St. Francis of Assisi, Kongowele Kibaha (Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam)
• Entered Holy Cross: 2015 | First Vows: 2019 (Saaka Novitiate) | Final Vows: 19th Oct 2024 (Nairobi)
• Ordained Deacon: 20th Oct 2024
• Pastoral Ministry: Bugembe Parish
• Education: Kiponzelo/Kongowe Primary; Nyumbu SS (O-Level); Tangaza University College, Nairobi

Rev. Fr. Ongezi Novert, C.S.C.

• Born: 13th September 1991 | Parents: Aturiho Christopher & Komwaka Gertrude | 5th of 9 children
• Parish & Diocese: Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kyamuhunga, Diocese of Mbarara
• Entered Holy Cross: 2015 | First Vows: 2019 (Saaka Novitiate) | Final Vows: 19th Oct 2024 (Nairobi)
• Ordained Deacon: 20th Oct 2024, Nairobi
• Pastoral Ministry: St. Jude Thaddeus Parish, Kyarusozi & Holy Cross Family Ministries (Fort Portal)
• Education: Nyakatuntu Primary; St. Mary’s Vocational Kyamuhunga; Queen of Apostles Philosophy Centre, Jinja (BA Social & Philosophical Studies); Tangaza University College, Nairobi (BA Theology & Diploma in Pastoral Theology)

On behalf of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Province of East Africa, the school administration extends heartfelt thanks to:

• The Priests, Brothers, and Sisters of Holy Cross
• The Diocese of Jinja and its clergy
• Teaching and non-teaching staff of Holy Cross Lake View SSS
• Members of the Board of Governors and PTA
• Parents, guardians, and students
• All parishes, families, and well-wishers who contributed to the success of this historic event

Together, we rejoice in God’s faithfulness as Holy Cross Lake View SSS continues its mission of forming hearts and minds to make God known, loved, and served.