Dear friends of BHIKU.
I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In this newsletter I begin by thanking God for his love and favor upon me for calling me to be the Priest and blessing me to serve in his vineyard for the last 25 years. I celebrated this milestone on August 5, 2023 at my Parish surrounded by many friends including my bishop, my extended family, my parishioners, 13 visitors from the US and many government officials including 3 ministers and invited guests all totaling to over 1500 people. It was such a joyful celebration and am immensely grateful to all those that joined me in the celebration.
On the 7th of August I decided to put a second celebration at our school so that the entire school community could also join me.
Thank you to all those who sent me cards and gifts both monetary and material gifts from my US friends and the local community. I was overwhelmed by the love and support and felt appreciated and encouraged to forge ahead in my vocation. All the monetary gifts I received were donated to the parish in the fundraising drive we are doing for building a rectory at my Parish and raised around $60,000. I can't offer you anything in return except to promise you my prayers always.
Part of the celebration at school included the dedication of the Fr. Dr. Julius Library. I was happy that 5 members of the board witnessed this function and even planted a memorial tree. The building is completed and the computer lab furnished 100 percent with 50 computers and all required furniture and we shall start computer lessons in the upcoming 3rd term. We are yet to furnish the library and Performing Arts rooms.
We ended second term successfully on August 25 and third term begins on September 18 and will end on December 11. However, P.7 candidates will do their national exams on November 8 and 9. Kindly pray for our candidates for success in their upcoming national assessment examinations.
That aside I continue to be extremely busy in my Parish with 22 mission churches and am Vicar of my vicariate which is known as a Deanery here with seven parishes. I have two assistant priests and they are very supportive.
Thanks to all of you for the support towards our school over the years. It has grown into a huge campus and one of the most popular schools in Western Uganda. I am looking forward to visiting the US next year and I hope to interface with some of you.
Wishing you God's choice blessings,
Fr. Julius Turyatoranwa (PhD)
Founder