Photos provided by the Province of East Africa, a jurisdiction of the Congregation of Holy Cross.
On March 22, 2026, St. Joseph’s Hill Senior Secondary School (S.S.S.) in Kyarusozi, Uganda, hosted a celebration for the Feast of St. Joseph, bringing together students, staff, parents, clergy, and guests from across the Holy Cross community for a meaningful experience of spiritual renewal.
Rev. Peter Caxton Mayanja, C.S.C., Provincial Superior of the Congregation of Holy Cross in East Africa, was the main celebrant for the Mass, which was concelebrated by Rev. James Burasa, C.S.C. They were joined by several Holy Cross priests and brothers, including Rev. Richard Pothast, C.S.C., Rev. Peter Qorro, C.S.C. (Vocations Director), Rev. Leonard Olobo, C.S.C., Rev. Douglas Alinaitwe, C.S.C. (School Chaplain at Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary School), Rev. Vincent Balikudembe, C.S.C., and Rev. Joseph Isingoma, C.S.C. (School Chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hill S.S.S.). Also present were Br. Joseph Kaganda, C.S.C., Headteacher of the school; Br. Cleophas Kyomuhemdo, C.S.C., Assistant Provincial Superior; Br. Jim Nichols, C.S.C.; Rev. Tom Smith, C.S.C.; and Br. John Flood, C.S.C., along with novices from Saaka Novitiate and the Sisters of the Holy Cross from the region. In his homily, Fr. Mayanja challenged everyone present, especially the young, to recognize their God-given potential and pursue lives of purpose, courage, and faith.
Reflections from community members captured the spirit of the day. Mr. Keneth Kamara, a history teacher, praised the unity among students and teachers, while Mr. Godfrey Muramira, a school parent, expressed pride in his daughter’s active participation. Carolyn Katikara, a Senior Four student, shared that the celebration inspired her “to try harder not only in my studies but also in serving others,” and Mr. Sunday Adrea, a member of the school support staff, noted that the event made him feel “truly part of this big family.”
The celebration served as a strong testament to the unity and vitality of the Holy Cross family in East Africa. In keeping with Holy Cross’s global Mission to educate both the mind and the heart and to serve others with compassion, the event motivated everyone present to live lives of faith, leadership, and service.
As the community moves forward, the example of St. Joseph remains a guiding light, inspiring each person to live with humility, courage, and unwavering trust in God.
Adapted from an article provided by the Province of East Africa, a jurisdiction of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and the Holy Cross Mission Center, June 2026.
