Last week’s episcopal ordination of Ugandan-born Msgr Joseph Mary
Kizito as the new bishop of Aliwal North Catholic diocese in South
Africa will always be remembered by the faithful.
The historic
ceremony was attended by hundreds of Ugandans scattered in different
parts of South Africa, who were joined by many others from the
neighbouring countries of Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana and Zimbabwe
among others.
Some others flew in from Europe and America, while a
delegation from Uganda was led by Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga of
Kampala Archdiocese, which also happens to be Bishop Joseph Kizito’s
home diocese back in Uganda.
Other bishops in the delegation
included the chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, the Rev Joseph
Anthony Zziwa and bishop Serveres Jjumba of Masaka Diocese.
Ugandans
residing in Johannesburg formed part of the choir that performed at the
holy Mass, which excited worshipers with popular Ugandan hymns like
Katonda Yalonda, Namugereka Atuwa Ebirungi, and Atenderezebwe Omukama.
Martin
Ssempagama, who was among worshipers that flew in from Uganda, said
some of them almost shed tears as the Ugandan-born bishop took vows of
leadership in the diocese.
“Things have indeed changed, long time
ago, we used to see foreign missionaries coming to Uganda in droves to
teach Christianity but here we are now seeing one of our own taking over
a diocese in a foreign land.”
The Rev Stephen Brislin, the
Archbishop of Cape town, was the principal ordaining bishop assisted by
bishop Zalille Mpambane of Kokstad Diocese and Bishop Emeritus Michael
Wusternberg of Aliwal North Diocese.
The new bishop reminded the faithful that he needed their prayers to enable him carry out well his episcopal duties.
The
Mass was celebrated by more than 300 priests and more than 40 bishops
from all over South Africa and neighbouring countries.
