By Richard Onapatum
Katakwi: Parishioners of St. Stephen Catholic Church, Katakwi have bid farewell to their outgoing and long-serving missionary Reverend Father Remi Nyengere.
Nyengere has been the Dean of Katakwi Deanery and Parish Priest of St. Stephen Catholic Parish.
He has served for Nine years since 2015 and has been posted to Arusha, Tanzania. He has been replaced by Rev. Fr. Olivier Wayesu.
“I want to take the honour to thank Fr. Remi for the close relationship, dedication and diligent service to Christians of St. Stephen catholic parish,” Vice President Jessica Alupo said during mass organized by parishioners to bid farewell to the outgoing prelate.
She made the remarks during a thanksgiving mass organized by Christians to bid far-thee-well to Rev. Fr. Nyengere at St. Stephen’s secondary school yesterday.
During a colourful ceremony, Fr. Nyengere was carried sky-high by catechists as the Christians showered him with gifts and presents.
The vice president noted that it can never be a happy day especially when she sees off Fr. Nyengere because of the inter-personal relationship she has had with him.
“He has visited Christians in their homes not only in Katakwi town council but also in villages to build sacrament. I pray to God to keep you safe while in Tanzania,” Alupo said.
She welcomed the incoming parish priest Olivier Wayesu and promised to offer the same support they have been giving Fr. Nyengere in terms of administration and all programs of the church.
She lauded the cordial relationship between the government and the church. She said the government will continue working very closely with all religious institutions and leaders across the country.
“Government appreciates the unity amongst religious institutions which is demonstrated in respect and time accorded to activities of the inter-religious council,” Alupo said. She handed over a cow to Rev. Fr. Nyengere.
She thanked the superior General Vicent Lubega for his role in the promotion of unity amongst religious institutions. She also thanked him for spreading the word of God across the world.
In his speech, Fr. Nyengere thanked the vice president and the Christians for their overwhelming support during his stay in Katakwi and promised to keep Katakwi at heart.
“Saying bye to Katakwi is not easy for me but I ask God to give me strength and wherever I am going I promise to be your ambassador in Tanzania,” Nyengere said.
Incoming Parish Priest Fr. Wayesu acknowledged the contribution of Fr. Nyengere towards the spiritual, social and economic development of Christians of St. Stephen’s parish and promised to take from where the further has stopped.
Superior Lubega appreciated the vice president being a friend of the church without discrimination. He wished both outgoing and incoming priests the best of luck in all their and asked Christians to support them.
