Fr. Nkeera who currently ministers in Ggaba Seminary, says in the meeting with the Pope, he asked them to be trustworthy, full of love and striving to fulfil their calling of ministry.
During his pontifical visit to Uganda in 2015, the late Pope Francis touched the hearts of many especially the youth, the destitute, religious leaders and the Ugandan community by the roadside to whom he waved.
On October 28th, 2015, he held a history making meeting with religious leaders at Lubaga Cathedral and parceled to them a package of good ministry. According to the then information department head Fr. Joseph Mukasa Nkeera, many clergymen to date discharge their duties based on the advice from the late Pope Francis.
Singling out the Pontiff’s guidance to them, Fr. Nkeera says he taught them never to be forgetful, basing on the book of Ecclesiastes where Moses told believers not to forget God and where he had delivered them from; likewise, Pope Francis implored the clergy to always remember God, what He has done for them and to pray for His Grace.

(Photo by Henry Nsubuga)
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He also advised them to lay emphasis on the blood of the martyrs which was shed in this country, and to ensure that it was not shed in vain. Fr. Nkeera said the Pope asked them to be as bold as the martyrs to be Able to become heroes of tomorrow.
Nkeera who currently ministers in Ggaba Seminary, says in the meeting with the Pope, he asked them to be trustworthy, full of love and striving to fulfil their calling of ministry.
That evening, the Pope told Ugandans that from what he had seen, Uganda has more religious ministers than many countries, and asked them to extend their services to countries where there is lack of clergy, and never to turn down assignments to such countries.
He stressed humility especially towards the neglected members of the community, those sidelined especially the disabled, children the elderly, and those with other forms of need. According to Fr. Nkeera, Pope Francis beseeched them to be unrelenting intercessors, despite their busy schedule out there. He said that they cannot afford to neglect prayers because it is the major component in their ministry.

(Photo by Henry Nsubuga)
In a service surrounded by temptations, the Pope advised them to strengthen themselves through prayers, pleading with God to keep them steadfast in whatever challenges confronts them. He also called on them to accept their mistakes and dutifully seek apologies from those they have injured.
The priest said they have struggled to stick to the papal pieces of advice and many have travelled to many nations on ministry work. He added that even here internally, there are some hard-to-reach areas but they have sacrificed themselves to extend God’s word to flocks in those areas, despite the very trying and challenging circumstances.
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