The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, Leads Emotional Requiem Mass for Fr. Sylvester Arinaitwe, Urges Faith and Readiness in the Face of Sudden Death

REQUIEM MASS HELD IN HONOUR OF FR. SYLVESTER ARINAITWE A.J. AT NSAMBYA PARISH
Kampala, Uganda 
The Archbishop of Kampala +Paul Ssemogerere presided over a  Requiem Mass at Nsambya Parish to honor the life and ministry of the late Fr. Sylvester Arinaitwe of the Apostles of Jesus. The liturgy drew clergy, religious leaders, and faithful from across the country, united in grief but anchored in hope.
From the beginning of Mass, the tone was reverent and reflective. The Archbishop’s address, marked by a clear and thoughtful observance of ecclesiastical protocol, paid tribute not only to the late priest’s service but also to the deep spiritual meaning of Christian death. He acknowledged the presence and contribution of Rt Rev Dr Constantine, who worked closely with Fr. Arinaitwe through the Uganda Joint Christian Council, emphasizing the late priest’s role in strengthening unity among Christian communities.
Fr. Sylvester Arinaitwe, who passed away suddenly at the age of 70, was remembered as a devoted servant of God. Having lived 46 years in religious life and 40 years as a priest, he dedicated his life to pastoral service, evangelization, and the spiritual growth of communities both within Uganda and beyond. His passing, described as peaceful—having gone to rest and never waking—has left many in shock.

In his homily, Archbishop Ssemogerere reminded mourners that death, though painful and often unexpected, does not have the final word in the Christian faith. Referencing the teachings of Jesus Christ, he emphasized the promise of resurrection and eternal life, drawing from the Gospel message in John 11. “We gather here in grief,” he said, “but at this altar, we transform our sorrow into hope. Christ conquered death, and in Him, life continues.”

The Archbishop noted that the Requiem Mass comes during the Easter season—a time when Christians reflect deeply on the mystery of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. He explained that this season provides a powerful context for understanding Christian funerals, not merely as moments of loss, but as celebrations of life fulfilled in faith.
Quoting from the teachings of St. Paul in Romans 6, he reminded the congregation: “If we die with Christ, we shall live with Him.” This message, he said, should strengthen believers in times of loss and inspire them to remain faithful to their vocation.

The Archbishop also used the occasion to call for reflection on the fragility of life. He referenced recent unexpected deaths, including that of a young public servant, as a reminder that life is unpredictable. “Death is an unwelcome guest,” he said, “but it is one that comes to all. Therefore, we must always be prepared—not in fear, but in faith.”
Fr. Arinaitwe’s life was described as one of dedication, humility, and sacrifice. Colleagues and friends testified to his unwavering commitment to service, his openness to all, and his deep love for humanity. Through his assignments, he consistently worked toward the fullness of life for others, embodying the values of compassion and faith.
The Archbishop concluded by encouraging the faithful to remain rooted in their beliefs and to live lives that reflect the holiness and authority of God. Drawing from the Book of Revelation, he emphasized that each person is accountable for how they live, and that every moment on earth is an opportunity to grow in righteousness.
As the congregation bid farewell, prayers were offered through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking for mercy on the soul of the departed and eternal rest in God’s presence.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”

Popular posts from this blog

Kigezi Kampala Residents Raise over UGX 121 Million to build a new home- Bishop Rubaramira Launches Construction of the New Sonde Home.

Image
Kigezi Kampala Residents Raise over UGX 121 Million to build a new home- Bishop Rubaramira Launches Construction of the  New Sonde Home. Sonde–Namugongo, February 15, 2026  The Kigezi Kampala Catholic Residents Association (KKCRA) has raised over  UGX 121 million today during the climax of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) 2025, marking a major milestone toward the construction of its permanent home in Sonde, Namugongo. In 2025 the Bishop of Kabale Diocese,  decentralized the  Bishop's Annual Appeal Fund Project according each parish in the Diocese an opportunity to identify and earmark a project for its development. The fundraising event, held during the Bishop’s pastoral visit to the KKCRA community attracted members from across the 43 parishes  of Kabale Diocese residing in Kampala and other surrounding areas. The funds will kick-start construction works on the 4 acre land  that is set to host a multipurpose hall, recreation gardens...
Read more

SHOCK AND SORROW AS REV. FR. DR. SYLVESTER ARINAITWE PASSES ON

Image
SHOCK AND SORROW AS REV. FR. DR. SYLVESTER ARINAITWE PASSES ON. A heavy cloud of grief has engulfed the catholic faithful and the wider Ugandan community following the shocking and untimely death of Rev. Fr. Dr. Sylvester Arinaitwe Rwomukubwe, a devoted priest of the Apostles of Jesus (AJ) and a respected National religious leader. The sad news, confirmed by WOMESAM, has left Christians across the country in deep mourning, as tributes begin to pour in for a man widely regarded as a humble servant, a unifier, and a fearless voice of moral conscience. Fr. Arinaitwe hailed from Rubira Village, Kyanamira Parish in Kabale Diocese, where his journey of faith first took root. He later joined the Apostles of Jesus, dedicating his life to missionary service and the proclamation of the Gospel in 1986 at Rushoroza Cathedral. Throughout his priesthood, he distinguished himself as a compassionate pastor, touching lives both within Uganda and beyond. Fr. Arinaitwe served as E...
Read more

Fr. Tibemanya Urges Faithful to Use Resources Wisely at KKCRA September Mass.

Image
KKCRA September Mass at Namugongo Animated by Rubanda Deanery NAMUGONGO, UGANDA — September 21, 2025 The Kigezi Kampala Catholic Residents Association (KKCRA) community today gathered for their monthly Holy Mass at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo. The Mass was led by Fr. Tibemanya Ireneus, Dean of Rubanda Deanery, with co-celebrant priests, and animated by the faithful of Rubanda Deanery. In his homily, Fr. Tibemanya emphasized the need for prayer, justice, and faithfulness to God amidst the growing challenges in society. He cautioned families against letting money divide them, noting that “what truly lasts is not profits or power, but justice, prayer, and faithfulness to God.” Drawing on the first reading from Prophet Amos, he condemned societal inequalities and dishonest practices, while calling Christians to remain steadfast in prayer. Reflecting on the Gospel (Luke 16:1-13), Fr. Tibemanya explained that Jesus commends th...
Read more