Francis Aquirinus Kibira
Francis Aquirinus Kibira | |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 April 1958 Kigoto-Buryansungwe, Kamwenge District, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Citizenship | Uganda |
| Known for | Pastoral service |
| Title | Bishop |
Francis Aquirinus Kibira is a Roman Catholic priest, who is the Bishop of Kasese. He was appointed to that position on 15 April 2014.[1]
Early life and priesthood[]
It was on 16 April 1958 that Francis Aquirinus Kibira was born at Buryansungwe village, at that time, in Kagongo-Ibanda Catholic Parish, Mbarara diocese. He was baptised on 27 April 1958 at Kagongo-Ibanda Parish and he received his first holy communion in 1966 at Kagongo-Ibanda Parish.
It was in 1968 that Kitagwenda Catholic Parish was founded at Buryansungwe Sub-Parish was cut off from Kagongo-Ibanda Parish and joined to Kitagwenda Parish, Fort Portal diocese. Francis A.Kibira was confirmed at Virika Cathedral in 1972 by Bishop Vincent McCauley (R.I.P) of Fort Portal diocese.
His father was called Sefronio Nkende and his grandfather was Yosefu Ssali Makara; they belong to the Nkima(Monkey clan. His father died on 25 July 2011 at 92 years old. His mother was called Costansio Bakamunaga. She died quite early on 12 June 1963. Francis Kibira was only 5 years old when his mother died.
In 1969 his father married another wife called Dorofina Fokorora; she also died on 13 July 2012.
The great grands had migrated from Kigando village in Vvumba Sub-country, Kiboga district and settled in Bunyaruguru, Bushenyi in Western Uganda. His grandfather,Yosefu Ssali Makara, was among the first catechumen to be baptised at Nyamitanga-Mbarara diocese. After successfully completing his catechism, Yosefu Ssali Makara was sent by the White Fathers to go to work as a catechist at Mabonwa Sub-parish, Ibanda parish. Eventually Yosefu Ssali Makara, together with his family, migrated from Bunyaruguru and settled at Kigoto near Ibanda. That is how Francis A.Kibira came to be born at Buryansungwe – Kitagwenda. Francis Kibira is a ‘ Munyaruguru’ by tribe.
His grandfather, Yosefu Ssali, was a determined and zealous catechist. He taught and defended the Christian faith and converted many pagans to the catholic church. Some catechumens used to sleep at his home for catechetical instructions; his home was called a “catechetical school”.
Consequently Francis Kibira was brought up in the same Christian family and same faith. No wonder that Francis Kibira was baptised when he was only eleven days old.
BROTHERS AND SISTERS[]
Francis A.Kibira has many brothers and sisters:
His mother’s children, Porutazio Babara, Dehonia Tibukira, Cresensio Kiiza (R.I.P), Guderia Nnassali, Gertrude Kabonesa, Cecilia Kyarimpa(R.I.P), Alexander Asaba, Francis A. Kibira , Anselm Mugerwa (R.I.P), Vincent Kiggundu, Godfrey Ssebayinda.
His step-mother’s children: Restetuta Nakabugo, Callist Kabugo(R.I.P), Venansio Kigozi (R.I.P) Francis Ssenkima, Pelegrin Ssekimuli, Julius Ssegawa, Rose Mary Nagawa, Eustantino Ssebayinda, Immaculate Nnamuddu, Boniconsil Nnakanjako.
Consequently Francis A. Kibira has may nephews and nieces and even grand children. It is indeed a big family and he has close links with them and he brings them together.
MINOR SEMINARY AT VIRIKA, FORT PORTAL[]
As early as Primary four class (1968), Francis Kibira had told his father that he wanted to become a priest. This was after Fr. Cyril, CSC, had visited his primary school and played a guitar and sang a song to the pupils in his class. Fr. Cyril, CSC, was wearing a white cassock, a long black rosary and a crucifix which attracted Francis Kibira very much. Until today Francis Kibira likes to wear a cassock and crucifix and to recite the rosary.
In February 1972 Francis Kibira entered St. Mary’s Minor Seminary at Virika, Fort Portal, to start his journey to priesthood; he was 14 years old. Fr. Bonaventure Kasaija Amooti was the rector and Frs. Duane Balcerski, Rink, Malone and Brothers Thomas Keef, Patrick Halpin, Rio and Dominik were staff members. Among the subjects he studied, Francis Kibira became unbeatable in mathematics. At one time he contemplated leaving the seminary so as to concentrate purely on mathematics. He also learnt to play very well basketball from the Holy Cross Fathers and Brothers at the seminary.
STUDIED IN THE MAJOR SEMINARY[]
In April 1977 Francis Kibira joined St. Thomas Aquinas-Katigondo National Major Seminary, Masaka. Fr. Paul Kalanda (now Bishop) was the rector. He showed great capability of studying Pholosophy; he excelled exceptionally well in medieval and contemporary philosophy. He also continued to excel in other virtues and in playing basketball.
In 1980 he graduated with a Diploma in Philosophy from Katigondo Seminary with a Diploma in Philosophy from Katigondo Seminary and a Diploma in Religious Studies from MUK.
IN 1980 Francis Kibira together with his classmate and friend Expedito J. Masereka did a Pastoral –Spiritual Year experience at Butiti Parish. Before taking the decisive step to priesthood it was necessary to try themselves in the work they were going to do when they would be ordained priests. The two collaborated very well, supported and advised each other and they had a successful experience. Fr. Richard Pothast, CSC, was then the Parish Priest. He was good and kind to them. He taught them by word and his exemplary life.
Fr. Richard liked to play football and he had “Butiti Friends” Football Club. Both seminaries played on the team; Francis Kibira did very well as the club’s goal keeper; he was also made Bursar of the Fathers’ House. Msgr. Hilario Kaijanabyo Adyeeri and the old Msgr. Francis Kibira Abwoori (R.I.P) were among the Fathers at Butiti.
The two seminarians taught catechumens, visited schools, went on pastoral visitations with priests and catechists and taught and prepared Mass servers. They also worked in vegetable gardens and cleaned the compound. They were self-directed seminarians. Fr. Richard highly recommended them to continue with priestly formation.
In April 1981 Francis Kibira entered St. Mary’s Ggaba National Major Seminary, Kampala, for 3 years of Theological and Pastoral Studies; the last stage of priestly formation and training. Fr, Matthias SSekamanya (now Bishop of Lugazi diocese) was the rector. Francis Kibira was now determined to become a priest if that was God’s will for him. He committed himself to studies and priestly formation. Frs. Bon Fass (Montfort) and Dr. George Kiyingi (R.I.P) admired and loved him for his keen and acute intelligence. Francis excelled and became the best in his class. At the end of the three years he attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, 1st Class with Honours (Summa Cum Laude) from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome.
DEACONATE AND PRIESTHOOD[]
On 29 April 1983 Francis A. Kibira was ordained a deacon by His excellence Archbishop Karl Josef Rauber (then Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda) at Virika Cathedral, Fort Portal. His two classmates Expedito K.Masereka and Leopold Kaahwa (R.I.P) were also ordained deacons together with him.
On 23 September 1984 Francis Kibira was ordaianed a priest by Bishop Serapio Magambo Abwooli (R.I.P) at Bunena Kitagwenda Parish. There was great joy in Kitagwenda and Buryansungwe. He became the second priest of Kitagwenda Parish; the first was Fr. Bazil Kahoza (R.I.P). The ‘Banyaruguru’ came for the ordination ceremonies; they danced their ‘Kinyaruguru’ traditional dance which still is very similar to that of their ancestors, the Baganda. The excitement and happiness of the people was beyond description. On 24th September, 1984 Fr. Francis Aquirinus Kibira celebrated his first Mass at his parents home in Buryansungwe. Msgr. Hilario Kaijanabyo Adyeeri was the preacher of the day; they have remained friends and confidants until today.
IN THE LORD’S VINEYARD[]
After ordination Francis Kibira was given one month to visit and celebrate with his people and relatives in Kitagwenda and Buryansungwe and Bunyaruguru. After that he came to Bishop’s House, Virika, where he received his appointment to go to serve as curate at Bukwali Parish, Fr. Joseph Mugenyi Apuuli (now auxiliary Bishop) was the parish priest Fr. Fransis A. Kibira was very obedient and collabaoratged very well with and was ready to learn from his experienced and pastoral oriented parish priest. From his seminary days Francis was already seen to be intelligent but humble, simple and obedient.
He always feared God and put his trust in God and always had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mother Mary. After his ordination he was determined to live up to his priestly demands and obligations. He stayed and served at Bukwali Parish until July 1985.
TEACHER AT KATIGONDO SEMINARY[]
After ten months of service at Bukwali Parish, Fr. Francis Kibira was requested to go back to Katigondo National Major Seminary to teach Philosophy. He reported for his appointment at Katigondo on 14 August 1985. He taught Meta Physics (ta meta ta physica), Philosophical Anthropology and introductory subjects to Scripture. He also served as Staff’s Secretary and Sports Master.
FURTHER STUDIES IN ROME[]
On 9 September 1987, Francis left for further studies in Rome aboard Sabena Airlines. He studied Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute (THE BIBLICUM) under the tutelage and scholarship of the scholarly Jesuits. Francis was thoroughly schooled in Greek, Hebrew, Latin and Aramaic Languages before he could be allowed to take courses in exegesis and Scriptural Interpretation. He also studied Arabic, Italian and German Languages. He also went to Israel (the holy land and land of the Bible) to do a course in Biblical Archaeology and modern Hebrew language. While in Rome Francis also had an opportunity to celebrate Mass with His Holiness John Paul II(now Saint John Paul II). At the end of his studies Francis graduated with a Licentiate (Master’s) Degree in Sacred Scripture from the Biblicum. On 14 November 1991 Francis returned to Uganda.
CONTACT TO GERMANY[]
During his studies in Rome, Francis used to spend summer holidays in the diocese of Fulda in Germany. Sometimes he would also stay in the diocese of Linz in Austria. While in Germany he met and made good friends who have been very supportive to his priestly ministry here in Uganda. Frau Sigried Jestrabek was his German teacher. Mr. and Mrs Marliese-Klaus Leoffel took him up in their home and supported him greatly to realize his vision. Fr. Francis has also been to the diocese of Wurzburg, Rottenburg-Stuttgart and Munster.
Fr. Francis A. Kibira in the middle of the oldest group of Germany friends, a group behind his many projects.
Alfred Und Sigrid Jestrabek (Germany Teacher of Fr. Francis (Now Bishop) He owes his Germany language to her.
Fr. Francis A. Kibira his family in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Marliese-Klaus Leoffel are the parents of now bishop Kibira
Fr. Francis A. Kibira (Now Bishop) in Germany with Fr. Harald Fischer parish priest of Holy Famly in Kassel. He has contributed a lot to the life and projects of Bishop Kibira.
From June 1995 – May 2014 Fr. Francis A. Kibira was appinted Rector of St. Paul’s - Kinyamasika National Major Seminary. He continued to teach Biblical Hebrew and Greek and a few courses in Sacred Scripture.
Francis has worked tirelessly to develop Kinyamasika Seminary into the most beautiful institution of learning in Fort Portal diocese.
PRIESTLY SILVER JUBILEE[]
Bishop Francis A. Kibira after Mass of his Silver priestly Jubilee. He is between Cardinal Wamala and Bishop Kalanda. 26th Sept. 2014.
On 26 September 2009 Kinyamasika Seminary Community celebrated the priestly silver jubilee of Fransis Kibira. His classmate Msgr. Lawerence Mukasa (Vicar General, Kiyinda-Mityana diocese) was the preacher of the day. Francis also celebrated with his people at Buryansungwe on 19 December 2009. It was great and worth celebrating.
FRANCIS THE RECTOR[]
As Rector, Administration and formator, Francis has had a remarkable positive influence on thelives of many young priests who have passed through his hands. He relates to seminarians in a fraternal and parental way. He lives an exemplary priestly life marked by his rule of prayer, discipline, hard work, time management , regular sports and above all his personal devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Francis loves and is loved by seminarians. The seminarians know that Francis loves Jesus and the Church. He is a hardworking and happy priest. In July 2011 because of his on-going commitment, dedicated service and exemplary priestly life and ministry Fr. Francis A. Kibira was recognised by the entire catholic church and Pope Benedict XVI gave him the honour of Monsignor.
FRANCIS HAS A STRONG PASSION FOR EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT[]
From the time he was ordained a priest Francis devoted a lot of his energy and other resources to the construction and development of-:
Buryansungwe Primary school which is a government school.
Buryansungwe secondary school (private) has over 620 students
Maria Junior School (private)
In 2001 Francis founded a Non-governmental Organization called: “Together Rural Development Solidaliry” Bwera –Kigoto Gravity Flow scheme (55kms of piped water) Kanyanseko – Kitagwenda Gravity Flow Scheme (76kms of piped water)
Education of Orphans and Needy Children, especially girls, from different parts of Uganda. Over 1,000 students have benefited from his efforts.
Fr. Francis Aquirinus Kibira has contributed enormously to the development of Kitagwenda county: He has tried his best to serve humanity
One wonders how he has successfully blended such big developmental works with his responsibilities of forming and training priests in the Seminary!!
“Ad Multos Annos”
As bishop[]
He was appointed bishop on 15 April 2014. He was consecrated as bishop on 12 July 2014 at Kasese by Archbishop Paul Kamuza Bakyenga, Archbishop of Mbarara, assisted by Bishop Egidio Nkaijanabwo, Bishop Emeritus of Kasese and Bishop Paul Lokiru Kalanda, Bishop Emeritus of Fort Portal.[1][2]
See also[]
- Uganda Martyrs
- Roman Catholicism in Uganda
Succession table[]
References[]
- ^ a b David M. Cheney (June 2019). "Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira". Kansas City: Catholic-Hierarchy.Org. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ^ Emmanuel Kajubu (18 April 2014). "I Did Not Want To Be Bishop - New Kasese Prelate". Kampala: Uganda Radio Network. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
External links[]
- 1958 births
- Living people
- 20th-century Roman Catholic bishops in Uganda
- 21st-century Roman Catholic bishops in Uganda
- People from Kamwenge District
- Roman Catholic bishops of Kasese