Loyola House Celebrates the Graduation of Fr. Didmus Shirima in Style
By Fr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ
On Friday 15th November, 2024, a delegation of Loyolites accompanied Fr. Didmus Shirima to Daystar University (Athi River Main Campus), for the graduation ceremony. The team was led by Sch. Albert Gubanja. As is the tradition at Loyola, the graduation party took place on Saturday, 16th November, 2024.
This celebration was a combination of three other important events: farewell to Ms. Vivian Faith who has been serving in the kitchen as an intern, the birthday of Fr. Emmanuel Banda, and farewell to Bro. Andrea Uduma who is going to the US for further studies at Creighton University.
Guests started arriving at Loyola House from 6:30 PM. Among the high profile guests who graced the event were: Sr. Prof. Lando Agnes Lucy, from Sisters of Mary, who was also the lead supervisor of Fr. Shirima for his Masters dissertation, Dr. John Bell Okoye, fellow graduates of Shirima, a few students from Daystar University, and several sisters from Sisters of Mary (neighbours to Loyola House). A good number of candidates to the Society of Jesus, who were around for interviews also attended the celebrations, as well as a good number of visiting Jesuits from nearby Jesuit communities.
The Superior of Loyola House welcomed guests to the celebration and explained what we were celebrating. Brief self-introductions followed, to know who was around. Meanwhile refreshments were served to everyone’s satisfaction.
The sumptuous dinner followed. At this point, Albert Gubanja took over as MC. Each of those who were being celebrated was invited to say brief words. Each was given a gift and a card.
Fr. Lawrence Kyaligonza amused the guests while praising Banda’s generosity, and concluded with a request to Banda to take him out for dinner. The date and venue for this dinner is yet to be determined.
Fr. Shirima, in his speech, appreciated the support he got from various people. He first thanked the Provincial of AOR Fr. Kizito Kiyimba who gave him permission to pursue graduate studies in media and communication. He further appreciated the great support he got from his supervisors who tirelessly guided him in his research work. He gave a moving account how one of the supervisors set aside Fridays as the day for meetings to get a feedback on the research. At one time they even shared lunch at the office, as they went over the corrections.
The dissertation supervisors spoke highly of Fr. Shirima’s dedication and diligence as a student. This hard work was all the more commendable given that he was combining studies with his work as a Vocations’ Director.
The climax of the celebration was the cutting of the cake, with Fr. Allan Gitta being the lead singer of ” Kata keki kata keki”
The Superior Fr. Anyanzu gave concluding remarks thanking the guests for honouring the invitation to attend the celebrations, congratulating the graduate, the birth day boy, and bidding farewell to those leaving.
A special blessing and prayer was given for those celebrating. The Superior concluded the celebration with a solemn blessing. Most of those who attended the celebration commented that this was the first of its kind at Loyola House. Over 35 guests attended, and all were fed to their full. After the official closing, several guests stayed around talking about the amazing celebration, sharing drinks, and encouraging Fr. Shirima to think of more studies, for the Greater Glory of God.
