Pastoral Coordinator Kabale Diocese Fr. Fidelis Ndagijimana Urges Mourners to “Fight the Good Fight” as He Leads Emotional Send-Off for Catechist Richard Behangana.


Faithful Servant Laid to Rest as Kabale Diocese Honors Life of Catechist Richard Behangana.

KKCRA choir leading Mass

Nyakabungo Buyanja Rukungiri District Kabale Diocese.
A spirit of reflection, gratitude, and  hope filled the hearts of mourners today as the Late Richard Behangana, a devoted catechist and servant of the Church, was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Nyakabungo, Rukungiri District, Kabale Diocese.
Mr. Behangana, who passed away on April 28, 2026, at Mengo Hospital, was remembered not only for his years of service but for the depth of his faith and humanity. He was 66 years old, having been born on April 9, 1960. He leaves behind a wife and eight children.
The Burial Mass, led by Fr. Fidelis Ndagijimana, Pastoral Coordinator of Kabale Diocese, painted a vivid picture of a life lived in commitment to God and service to people. In a homily rich with imagery and reflection, Fr. Fidelis invited mourners to look at life as a journey that begins even before birth., a journey marked by both struggle and purpose.
“We begin the journey at conception,” he said. “When a child is born, we celebrate—but the child cries, for it has left behind the comfort of the womb. From that moment, the human journey is a struggle, a war of faith, endurance, and purpose.”

Drawing from Scripture, he referenced the Book of Daniel, reminding the congregation that every life is recorded in the Book of Life. As a catechist, Mr. Behangana played a sacred role—documenting the baptized and affirming their place in the Christian community.
“He wrote names in the Church register, but more importantly, he helped write lives into eternity,” Fr. Fidelis emphasized.

The priest also reflected on the spiritual battle that defines human existence, referencing a local hymn: “Turimurugamba… Kamanda ni Yesu”—a call to recognize life as a battlefield where Christ is the commander. In this context, he described Mr. Behangana as a man who chose the right weapons—not of violence, but of faith, education, and service.
Recalling a personal moment from 2005, Fr. Fidelis shared how the deceased once referred to Jesus as his “gun,” symbolizing a deliberate choice to abandon worldly struggles and embrace spiritual purpose. He began his journey as an Assistant Catechist and rose to become a respected Head Catechist—an evolution marked by dedication and humility.
“If he had not married, he might have become a priest,” the priest remarked, drawing gentle smiles from the congregation.
Mr. Behangana’s legacy was also deeply rooted in acts of compassion. He actively participated in prison ministry, ensuring that inmates in Rukungiri Prison received spiritual care. His faith was not theoretical—it was lived.

“I was in prison and you visited me,” Fr. Fidelis quoted from the Gospel. “Richard lived this message. He loved in action.”
The homily further challenged the faithful to reflect on their own lives, emphasizing that true victory lies not in avoiding trials but in overcoming them with goodness. “There is no testimony without a test,” he said, urging believers to “fight the good fight” through kindness, unity, and humanity—“Tugire obuntu.”

Mourners were reminded that God’s judgment is not rooted in human weakness, but in the good one chooses to do. In that light, the large turnout at the burial was itself a testimony.
“This crowd speaks,” Fr. Fidelis noted. “It speaks of a man who lived well with others—because when you are with people, you are with God.”
As the homily drew to a close, reflections from St. Paul’s letter to Timothy offered a message of hope—the promise of a crown of glory for those who remain faithful. Just as Christ bore a crown of thorns, believers are called to persevere, trusting in eternal reward.
Today, as the soil of Nyakabungo received one of its own, it did so with the assurance that Richard Behangana’s journey did not end—but transformed. His life, marked by faith, service, and quiet strength, remains a guiding testimony to those he leaves behind.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.

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