Jeressar High School in Soroti City made a historic milestone on Sunday as it hosted its first-ever Catholic Mass since its inauguration.
The Mass, which coincided with Palm Sunday, was presided over by the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, who used the opportunity to deliver a powerful message rooted in the core beliefs of the Lenten season.
The occasion drew together students, teachers, parents, and members of the surrounding community, who gathered in reverence and spiritual reflection as the school opened its doors to Catholic worship for the first time.
Bishop Eciru’s homily centered on the theme of the Cross, a key symbol of the Christian faith, especially as the church enters Holy Week, the final stretch of the Lenten season that commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Quoting from the Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, the Bishop reminded the congregation that, “The message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are on the way to destruction, but to those who are on the road to salvation, it is the power of God.”
He used this verse to rally Christians to re-anchor their lives around the Cross of Christ, which he described as both the symbol and the means of their ultimate victory.
“Jesus was humble even to accepting death, death on a cross,” Bishop Eciru said in his sermon.
“After that, He was given a name above all names. Jesus went through agony, through the Cross, and triumphed. Through the victory of the Cross, we are conquerors, we are triumphant, we are victorious.”
He warned that Christianity without the Cross is a misrepresentation of the faith.
“A crossless Christianity doesn’t exist. A crossless Christ doesn’t save. There is no way you can detach Christ from the Cross,” the Bishop emphasized, urging the faithful to embrace the Cross as a path to spiritual maturity and sanctification.
The Palm Sunday Mass, marked by the traditional procession with palm branches, served as a profound reminder of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event that begins Holy Week.
Bishop Eciru used this context to call upon the congregation to walk closely with Jesus during the events of Holy Week, reflecting on His Passion and ultimate sacrifice.
“As we begin Holy Week, the climax of the Lenten season, we are invited to walk with Jesus through His final days. It is a week in which Christians celebrate the mysteries of their redemption: the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord,” the Bishop said.
“This is the central mystery of our faith, and the Cross stands at its very heart.”
Bishop Eciru also took a moment to commend the leadership of Jeressar High School for embracing the presence of the Catholic Church in the institution.
He applauded the school’s openness to spiritual development and its willingness to offer space for Catholic liturgical celebrations, noting that such inclusivity is key to holistic education.
“I thank the management of Jeressar High School for recognizing the value of the Catholic Church and opening your hearts and institution to the Word of God,” he said.
“You are shaping not just intellectuals but moral and spiritual leaders for tomorrow.”
The school administration also expressed gratitude for the Bishop’s visit, noting that the Mass would go a long way in strengthening the faith of Catholic students and promoting interfaith understanding within the school community.
Plans are underway to make regular Catholic Masses part of the school’s spiritual calendar.
With its first Catholic Mass now in the books, Jeressar High School has not only marked a historic chapter in its journey but has also strengthened its spiritual foundation as it continues to grow as a center of learning and faith.
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