Today, August 3, 2025, marks the 17th anniversary of my priesthood-a profound gift from God that I accepted with humility and without merit. Therefore, this weekend, I kindly request the opportunity to depart from the tradition of reflecting on the Sunday Gospel. Instead, I would like to share an excerpt from the homily delivered by His Excellency, the late Bishop Nestor Timanywa, Bishop Emeritus of Bukoba, on the day of my ordination.

"Esteemed brothers and sisters in the Lord,

As we continue reading Luke's account of Jesus' last journey to Jerusalem, Luke tells us that Jesus and his disciples stopped to visit Lazarus, Martha and Mary in the village of Bethany. Bethany was on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. The name Bethany means "house of the afflicted." The village was a center for accommodating the sick and the destitute that came as pilgrims to Jerusalem, for Passover.' On this occasion, they remained in Bethany until it was time to head on to Jerusalem for Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication.

One of my close friends is a hermit priest who lives on a desert mountain. Recently I found myself in a group conversation about him. One vehemently objected, “What does he do up there all day? Nothing! Priests are down here working, running parishes, making a difference, and he…he is doing nothing! What a waste.” The words dripped with indignation and resentment. Most of the group quietly nodded in silent agreement. Were they correct?

What can I do to inherit eternal life?

Every Sunday, our Mother Church offers us the Liturgy of the Word, which serves as a guide—“a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105)—for the week ahead. The readings for daily Masses, too, are inspired by the Sunday Liturgy of the Word. Thus, in alignment with the traditions established by our predecessors, Fr. Samuel and I shall present a series of thoughtful reflections on the Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word in our weekly bulletins. These insights aim to serve as a guiding framework as we navigate our journey toward holiness.

Fellow parishioners,

I sincerely greet you in the name of the Most Holy Trinity!

Following Fr. Kilian’s devoted service to our parish, His Excellency Bishop John Dolan has appointed me to serve as your pastor. Initially, I considered declining this appointment; however, I soon realized that such a decision would be akin to refusing to embrace God’s love.