Pope Francis honours former Moroto Bishop
(L-R): Bishop Emeritus Henry Ssentongo, Papal Nuncio to Uganda Archbishop Michael Augustine Blume and Bishop of Masaka Diocese John Baptist Kaggwa at a mass in Kalungu District last weekend. PHOTO BY Ali Mambule
What you need to know:
Appreciation. Bishop Emeritus Henry Ssentogo thanks his teachers and mentors for shaping him into ministry.
Kalungu. Pope Francis has recognised former Moroto Diocese Bishop Henry Ssentongo for his outstanding service.
Archbishop Michael Augustine Blume, the Papal Nuncio to Uganda, presented a letter of recognition from the Pope to Bishop Ssentongo who was celebrating a special mass at his birth place in Kisaawa village, Kalungu District, last weekend upon retiring.
“It was a virtue of perseverance for you to serve in Moroto whose culture and language is totally different from yours for all those 25 years,” the Papal Nuncio said.
In response, Bishop Ssentongo said: “I express my sincerest thanks to my teachers and mentors for shaping me. I also thank my grandparents and parents. It was nurtured by the prayers, love, support and good example of my family members, relatives and friends.”
Bishop Ssentogo served for 25 years and another 50 years as priest.
Pope Francis appointed Italian-born Damiano Giulio Guzzetti to replace Bishop Ssentongo last year.
Message to parents
A lot of work. Bishop emeritus Ssentogo challenged parents in Karamoja sub-region to send their children to seminaries, saying the number of young people joining the religious institutions was too low compared to the need of the service required.
Karimojong urged. Bishop Emeritus Ssentogo said in the last 10 years, no Karimojong had been ordained a Catholic priest. “Of all the priests in the diocese, only 12 are Karimojong. My passionate appeal to the people of Karamoja is that they should interest their children in serving God and therefore send them to seminaries to become priests,” he said.
