Rev Fr. Austin Christmas Urges Christians to Focus on God's Mission as Joseph Rutagonya Is Laid to Rest

Elder Joseph Rutagonya Laid to Rest as Priest Calls on Christians to Focus on Their God-Given Mission
KABALE, June 14, 2026 
Family members, relatives, friends and Christians have this afternoon gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Kyanamira in Kabale District  to bid farewell to Joseph Rutagonya, a respected elder who passed away on Friday at the age of 86.
The Requiem Mass is being led by Rev. Fr. Balthazar Ndyomugabe, assisted by the parish Priest of Kyanamira Rev Fr.Somda and other priests from Kabale diocese, 
The homily was delivered by Rev Fr. Austin Christmas, the Rector of Rushoroza Cathedral Parish, who described the late Rutagonya as a man who fulfilled his mission on earth and dedicated his life to serving both God and humanity.
Drawing from the Sunday readings, Fr. Austin reminded mourners that every person is uniquely created by God and entrusted with a special responsibility in life.
“God created each one of us differently. Just as no two fingerprints are the same, every person has a unique purpose and gift,” he said. “Whether you are a teacher, a businessperson, a religious leader or a farmer, your duty is to use your talents to build God's Kingdom and serve others.”
The priest noted that the life of Joseph Rutagonya reflected this message, saying the deceased worked diligently throughout his life and left behind a legacy of faith, family and service.
Fr. Austin also encouraged Christians to avoid comparing themselves with others and instead remain focused on their own calling. To illustrate the point, he shared a story of a woman who once complained that she could no longer attend church because of the distractions and misconduct she observed among fellow worshippers.
According to the priest, the woman was asked to carry a glass filled to the brim with water around the church compound without spilling a single drop. After successfully completing the task, she was asked whether she had noticed the people who were talking, shouting or using their phones during Mass.
“She replied that she had not seen any of them because her attention was fixed on the glass of water,” Fr. Austin recounted. “The lesson is that Christians should focus on God and their mission rather than being distracted by the mistakes of others.”
He further reminded the congregation that the Church's supreme law is the salvation of souls, urging believers to remain committed to doing good and living lives that bring others closer to God.
The homilist said that just as the Israelites were chosen by God for a special purpose, every Christian today is called to serve in different capacities and contribute positively to society.
“Everyone has a gift different from another. What matters is how we use those gifts for the glory of God and the good of humanity,” he said.
Throughout the Mass, mourners remembered Rutagonya as a humble, hardworking and God-fearing man whose life touched many people in his community. Family members expressed gratitude for the support they received during the difficult period of mourning.
Joseph Rutagonya died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 86. He will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Bugandara Cell, Kyanamira Sub-county, Kabale Distric this evening.

Mourners were encouraged to emulate the values of faith, dedication and service that characterized Rutagonya's life, while entrusting his soul to God's eternal mercy.
“We have come to pray for the soul of Joseph Rutagonya. He has done what he was supposed to do on earth. May God grant him eternal rest,” Fr. Austin told the congregation.

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