Holy Cross Lakeview S.S.S., in Jinja Wanyange–Musiima, Uganda, has had much to celebrate recently, as students came fully into the Church, new dormitories were blessed, and the Most Reverend Bishop Patrick Michael Neary, C.S.C., received honors for his years of missionary service to the province of East Africa through the dedication of the Bishop Patrick M. Neary C.S.C. Complex.
On September 12th, twenty-three students and one teacher received the Sacrament of Confirmation, fortifying their baptismal grace through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and deepening their growth in faith.
In his inspiring homily, Bishop Neary, C.S.C., who presided over a Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, reminded the confirmed students of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S. (HCLV S.S.S.) and St. Benedict Grade School that they had experienced their first Pentecost, and encouraged them to spread the Holy Spirit’s message to those around them. He prayed fervently for God’s blessings and guidance in their lives, urging them to emulate Christ’s teachings and live as children of God.
The Senior Four and Senior Six candidates of Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S., along with the Primary Seven candidates of St. Benedict Grade School, also received Bishop Neary’s apostolic blessing. He prayed for their success in the forthcoming final examinations, invoking God’s wisdom, good health, knowledge, and understanding upon each of them.
During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., was joined by several of his brothers in the Congregation of Holy Cross, including Rev. Fr. Prosper Atukwatse, C.S.C., Headteacher; Rev. Fr. Mukasa Francis, C.S.C., Parish Priest of Bugembe Parish; Rev. Fr. Nicodemus Kisonga, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Kajubi Henry, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Leonard Olobo, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Innocent Ahuniriza, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Douglas Alinaitwe, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Ssali Robert, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Salongo Stephen, C.S.C., Rev. Fr. Linus Nviri, C.S.C., Fr. Patrick Okuthe, C.S.C., Deacon Bwanadeke Matayo, C.S.C., Deacon Kamushana Benjamin, C.S.C., Deacon Ogezi Novert, C.S.C., and Deacon Nyenza James, C.S.C., along with other Holy Cross priests.
Following the celebration of the Holy Mass, celebrations continued as new buildings were blessed. Bishop Neary, C.S.C., imparted his blessing and formally inaugurated two new state-of-the-art dormitories: the Baraka Bouts Girls’ Dormitory and the Deacon Erogi, C.S.C., Boys’ Dormitory. These amenities will promote the well-being and safety of students through enhanced, spacious facilities designed to foster a nurturing, family-oriented environment.
In honor of Bishop Neary’s six years of dedicated service to HCLV S.S.S. as Chairman of the Board of Directors, a new complex—comprising the school’s main hall, the kitchen, and dining hall—was officially named in his honor. The Bishop Patrick M. Neary C.S.C. Complex stands in recognition of Bishop Neary’s selfless efforts and love for the school.
Rev. Fr. Prosper Atukwatse, C.S.C., the headteacher at HCLV S.S.S., also gifted Bishop Neary, C.S.C., with an iconic painting to express the school’s gratitude for his love for the school.
Finally, in joyful thanksgiving for the gift of the Sacrament of Confirmation, the newly confirmed students were joined by their parents in a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony, marking their spiritual maturity and shared journey of faith. This moment of festivity allowed the wider school community to witness and rejoice in the beauty of faith and the sanctity of family, offering gratitude to God for the collaboration between the school and the parents—who stand as co-educators in the faith, continuing to nurture their children in faith, morals, and the life of grace.
Provided by Paula Lent, Holy Cross Mission Center Office Coordinator
September 2025
