By Don Edwarles MKM | Gateway News
MASAKA CITY – Blessed Sacrament Church, Kimanya Catholic Parish in Masaka Diocese was transformed into a vibrant centre of faith, worship and celebration as more than 10,000 children from Catholic schools and catechetical centres across the parish gathered to mark the annual Children’s Mission Sunday.
The celebration, one of the most significant events on the parish calendar, attracted thousands of children, parents, teachers, catechists, religious men and women, parish leaders, and distinguished guests who came together to promote missionary discipleship among young Christians.
The highlight of the day was the administration of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, with more than 1,000 children receiving their First Holy Communion after successfully completing their catechetical formation.
The children, dressed in white attire symbolizing purity and new life in Christ, joyfully received the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time amid prayers, hymns and thanksgiving.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Zikusoka, the Parish Priest of Blessed Sacrament Church Kimanya and the Vicar for Religious in Masaka Diocese.
In his homily, Fr. Zikusoka congratulated the children upon reaching an important milestone in their spiritual journey. He encouraged them to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, participate actively in the sacramental life of the Church, and become ambassadors of peace, love and Christian values within their families, schools and communities.
He also thanked parents, guardians, catechists, teachers and sponsors for their commitment to nurturing children in the Catholic faith, emphasizing that the family remains the first school of Christian formation.
Children from various schools entertained the congregation through inspiring choir presentations, Bible recitations, missionary songs, cultural performances and drama that highlighted the importance of evangelization, unity and service to God.
The annual Children’s Mission Sunday is dedicated to strengthening missionary awareness among young Catholics while encouraging them to support the universal mission of the Church through prayer, witness and acts of charity. Church leaders noted that the growing participation of children demonstrates the continued commitment of Kimanya Parish to holistic Christian formation.
The celebration concluded with prayers of thanksgiving, blessings for all children, and renewed calls for families to continue supporting the spiritual growth of young people.
Parents and guests described the event as one of the largest children’s religious gatherings in the parish in recent years, praising the excellent organization and the dedication of the clergy, religious, catechists and volunteers who made the celebration a success.
As thousands of children departed the church with joyful hearts, the colourful celebration left a lasting message that children remain at the heart of the Church’s mission and the future of the Catholic faith in Masaka Diocese.
