Feast day celebration at Vistabella

After a hiatus of two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the worshipping community of St Andrew Kaggwa in San Fernando was once more able to celebrate our patronal feast. This we did in grand style on Friday, June 3, when the universal Church remembers the 22 Martyrs of Uganda. This day also marked the 13th anniversary of ordination of Fr Jayson Grell FMI, the main celebrant at the evening’s liturgy with Parish Priest Fr David Khan.

The church was beautifully decorated: large tropical floral arrangements, our signature feast day altar cloth, with red fabric hanging from the windows, representing the blood that our patron and his companions were not afraid to shed for their faith, and a temporary shrine on which burned 22 white candles. Along with the melodious songs of praise and worship, and the pulsations of drumming, ensured the liturgy reflected a festive tone, and encouraged full and active participation.

In his homily, Fr Khan reminded all present that like St Andrew Kaggwa and his companions, “It is never too early to commit one’s life to the Lord.” Referring to Fr Grell’s anniversary and likening him to a teenager in his priestly ministry, Fr Khan also said that the example of  St Andrew Kaggwa asks us that, “when we commit to a cause, how far will that commitment go?”. The Ugandan martyrs saw Jesus as their friend. “They remained committed despite their circumstances and laid down their lives for the Lord.”

Before Mass ended several presentations were made to both priests. In his  brief comments, the Mass host remarked that like Fr Grell, the St Andrew Kaggwa community will also become a teenager on  June 14, the (13th) anniversary of the church’s consecration. He continued by saying, “God in His providence sent a priest to the church whose Feast day is celebrated on the same day of his ordination.”

More images of the celebration can be viewed on our Facebook Page: St Andrew Kaggwa, Vistabella. —Submitted by the Communications Team, St Andrew Kaggwa, Vistabella.