A total of 73 couples exchanged vows today in a mass wedding ceremony held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Kiizi-Rubanda Catholic Parish in Rubanda District. The event, coinciding with the celebration of the Assumption Day of the Blessed Virgin Mary, attracted a large crowd of well-wishers, community members, and political and religious leaders, making it a significant moment of joy and unity for the district.
The mass wedding, organized by Rubanda-Kiizi Parish, was an initiative aimed at supporting couples who had long desired to formalize their unions but were hindered by financial constraints.
During the Mass, Rev. Fr. Aurelius Maguru, the parish priest, delivered a heartfelt sermon that emphasized the importance of unity, faith, and education in the lives of the newlyweds. He encouraged the couples to build their families on a foundation of cooperation, unity, and a strong focus on God. “Let your families be united and centered on God. It is through this that you will overcome challenges and experience true joy,” he advised.
Fr. Maguru also underscored the importance of prioritizing the education of their children, urging the couples to invest in their future. “Education is the key to shaping a well-rounded future for your children. Make it a priority to provide them with the best opportunities for growth and development,” he stated.
Addressing common misconceptions, Fr. Maguru clarified that the Assumption Day celebration is not about idol worship. “Most people see us celebrate this day and say we’re worshiping idols, but no, we are showing respect to the Holy Mary, the mother of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” he explained. He encouraged the congregation to honor Mary’s role in the Christian faith while striving to live a life of devotion and obedience to God.
While officiating, Hon. Prossy Akampulira Mbabazi, the Rubanda District Woman MP, congratulated the couples and pledged continued support for initiatives that strengthen family values within the community. “This mass wedding is not just a celebration of love but also a reminder of the importance of strong family units in building a resilient society,” Hon. Prossy remarked.
She also used the platform to remind the Christian community of the importance of educating their children and working hard to improve their family livelihoods and household incomes. As a gesture of goodwill, Hon. Prossy donated a blanket to each of the newlyweds and pledged additional support for those who will participate in future mass weddings at the parish.
The newlyweds expressed their joy and gratitude for the support they received. One of the couples, Sylivia Mukurizehe and Dismus Twinomujuni, shared their excitement: “We have been together for many years but could not afford a wedding. This mass wedding was a blessing for us. We are grateful to the church and everyone who made this possible.”
Another couple, Josemus Niwagaba and Elizabeth, added, “It was a dream come true for us. We now feel more united and blessed. The gifts we received, especially from Hon. Prossy, made our day even more special.”
The day concluded with a procession in honor of the Virgin Mary, with hundreds of Catholics, including Hon. Prossy, carrying a statue of Mary and accompanied by prayers and hymns to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
The Holy Mary Procession on Assumption Day is a significant event in the Catholic Church, celebrated on August 15th each year. This day commemorates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, a belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life.
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