ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHOIR OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED AT ST. FRANCIS KYANAMIRA PARISH,Kabale Diocese
Kyanamira – 1 December 2025
St. Francis Kyanamira Parish witnessed a deeply moving and historic moment at the beginning of Advent, 2025, as the long-awaited recognition of the parish’s new choir finally became a reality. After months of operating informally under the name St. Francis Choristers, the group was formally instituted as the St. Francis of Assisi Choir, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their liturgical ministry.
The milestone was preceded by a heartfelt request from the choir members, who wrote to the parish priest seeking official blessing and permission to serve in the new parish. Their petition was presented through the parish choir chaplain, Rev. Fr. Armel Somda, who successfully secured approval on their behalf.
The celebration took place on 30 November 2025, the First Sunday of Advent, during the First Mass. It opened with a solemn blessing of the new choir gowns—an achievement made possible through the choir members’ voluntary savings and the unwavering generosity of Mr. Francis Bonanza and his family. The gesture symbolized renewal, commitment, and the start of a fresh journey in music ministry.
A thanksgiving Mass followed, dedicated to supporting the BAAF project. The choir community came together and raised UGX 213,000, with a notable contribution of UGX 100,000 from headteacher Mr. Ahimbisibwe Anthony Ntuhe, who also led the fundraising drive. His leadership and generosity were widely appreciated by both the choir and the parish community.
Choir Directress Tusiime Doreen expressed gratitude to all benefactors, singling out Mr. Bonanza and Mr. Ntuhe for their “selfless love and commitment to the growth of the choir.” She further appealed to Christians of the parish to continue supporting the choir’s activities and to assist in covering fees for the choir’s music trainer. Doreen also acknowledged Christian, thanking him for his constant support and presence among the choristers.
Parish Choir Chaplain Fr. Somda echoed these sentiments, saying:
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of Bonanza’s family and Anthony Ntuhe; it has made this day possible and will bless our ministry for years to come.”
He encouraged more Christians of goodwill to contribute towards enhancing parish worship by helping the choir acquire essential equipment, including a heavy-duty keyboard, a computer and projection system, and other worship tools. Fr. Somda also made a special appeal to the men in the parish to join the choir to help achieve balanced and stronger vocals.
In a defining moment at the end of Mass, Fr. Somda—on behalf of the parish priest—officially commissioned the choir to begin its mission as a fully recognized parish ministry. He formally bestowed upon them the name St. Francis of Assisi Choir, symbolically “baptizing” the group and sealing their new identity within the parish.
The day’s events left the congregation uplifted and inspired. The recognition of the choir not only celebrated the dedication of its members but also highlighted the collective spirit of generosity that binds the parish community.
As the Advent season begins, the launch of the St. Francis of Assisi Choir promises a renewed vibrancy in parish liturgy and sets the foundation for many more harmonious celebrations in the years ahead.
Under the patronage of St. Francis of Assisi, the choir now steps forward with renewed purpose, ready to serve God and the faithful through the gift of music.