On Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, in the serene community of the parish of Panyangara, faithful from various parts of the Diocese of Kotido gathered in harmony and humility to honour and give thanks for the contributions of Fr. Ignatius Nshing, MHM. They also prayed with him as he bid farewell and handed over to Fr. Denis Wanjala, MHM. This special occasion coincided with the parish’s celebration of its feast day of St. Joseph the Worker, the patron saint of the Mill Hill Missionaries. As Joyce Rupp suggests in her book “Praying Our Goodbyes,” just as the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly when it feels life is over, goodbyes are integral to life, symbolizing cycles of gain and loss, joy and sorrow, life and death, union, and separation.
Today holds particular significance as we express gratitude and humility, thanking God for the gift of Fr. Ignatius’s shepherding and praying for him as he embarks on his sabbatical in distant lands, leaving a void in our community. While we grieve his departure from the vibrant community he helped build, sharing with us the love of God and embracing the rich culture of Karamoja, we are heartened by the presence of the Episcopal Vicar, Rev. Fr. Daniel Nabuya, who, along with a cohort of other priests, joined in the celebration. Their presence underscored not only the religious significance of the occasion but also the transition in leadership.
In a momentous conjunction of events, the feast day celebrations witnessed the commissioning and official opening of a new classroom block at St. Michael Nursery School. This expansion, made possible through the collective efforts of the parish community, signifies a commitment to educational excellence and inclusivity. With the addition of lower primary classes, the school is poised to enrich the lives of even more young learners, fostering a nurturing environment for their holistic development and contributing to the church’s growth in Karamoja. The Episcopal Vicar, symbolizing continuity and progress, graced the inauguration ceremony, highlighting the significance of education as a cornerstone of societal advancement and development in the region.
For the past decade, the parish has been blessed by the guidance and dedication of Fr. Ignatius Nshing, MHM, whose tenure has been marked by unwavering commitment and a profound impact on the spiritual growth of the Panyangara community. As parishioners gathered to honour his service, there was palpable gratitude for his sacrifices and the milestones achieved under his leadership as moderator. Despite sorrow at his departure when his presence was needed most, the community expressed deep appreciation for his transformative influence.
One Christian expressed these kind words:
“You have brought life to many, you have helped the depressed, you have provided food for the poor, you have given the thirsty a drink, you have brought smiles to many faces, you have shown many how to sacrifice for the sake of others, you have demonstrated your love for humanity. Oh, Fr. Ignatius, we cannot take you for granted, surely not. May the good Lord who chose you in your mother’s womb keep you safe, and may He grant you His blessings as you continue to do His will.”
As we bid farewell to Fr. Ignatius Nshing, MHM, during his farewell mass on Sunday, May 12th, at Panyangara parish, we reflect on the saying, ‘every cloud has a silver lining.’ His two years as an MEP student and eight years as our parish priest have been a beacon of light guiding us through stormy seas. As he passes the mantle to Fr. Denis Wanjala Apalosil, MHM, we are reminded that ‘a new broom sweeps clean.’ We are grateful for the positive strides he has made over the years, such as the building and expansion of St. Michael Nursery and Primary School, the construction of the Women and Youth Empowerment Centre, the Ekaal Bakery, shelters for the homeless and abandoned children, education initiatives for the less advantaged, and providing food and shelter to those in need.Â
May Fr. Ignatius’s journey of service ahead be as fruitful as planting seeds for tomorrow, and may his legacy continue to grow like a tree planted by the river waters, echoing for ages to come. As Fr. Denis Wanjala, MHM, assumes the mantle of leadership with humility and resolve, and as Panyangara parish welcomes him into their fold, we offer prayers for his guidance and strength, trusting in his capacity to shepherd the flock with love and mercy.
As the echoes of local hymns and prayers linger in the air and hearts of the people of Panyangara, the celebrations serve as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community engagement. In moments of transition and transformation, the collective spirit of resilience and unity propels individuals and institutions forward, ensuring that the light of hope continues to shine brightly.
Mathias Makoba
Diocesan youth secretary
Kotido Diocese
