Loyola Associated Press(LAP)

Loyola House Community started the Third Sunday of Lent (23rd March, 2025) with a special mass to pray for the repose of the soul of Apolonia Mukasa, the mother of Fr. Binamungu. This celebration was animated by Arrupe Choir from St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Kangemi. They came to Loyola House to condole with Fr. Binamungu.

The guests who graced Loyola Community were about 50. Well adorned in their colorful purple uniform, they transformed Loyola Community seating room into a sacred symphony. Fr. Paschal Mwijage was the Mass’s main celebrant. In his signature homiletic style of engaging the congregation with a phrase which the congregation completes, he gave a moving homily. He narrated a story of how Jesuits at Ocer Campion had tried to cultivate mangoes, but due to congesting the garden with too many mango plants, there were no fruits. This was a fitting story given the Gospel of the day on the fig tree that did not bear fruit. Fr. Paschal continued the story that an expert in agriculture was invited to offer advice. Some mangoes were cut to leave room for better yield. Even after this intervention, the mangoes yielded small fruits. He then explained that we are those mangoes. Though God does His best to prune and manure us, we still bear small fruits. 

Before the final blessing, Fr. Binamungu appreciated the Choir for supporting him during this time of grief. He narrated the circumstances of his mother’s health condition leading to her death. He thanked God for having sustained his mother for over 80 years despite having serious health conditions. 

After mass, the guests were treated to an early dinner. There was much singing and joy to celebrate and honor the life of Apolonia Mukasa. 

Celebrating Final Incorporation into the Society

On 25^th March, 2025, Loyola House members joined PAC to celebrate the final vows of Fr. Corbiniana Kyara and Fr. Alex Wainaina. This also happened to be the Solemnity of the Annunciation. The main celebrant, Fr. Kizito Kiyimba SJ, AOR Provincial, expressed appreciation for the final “Yes” of the two Jesuits. In his homily, he further explained how the annunciation demonstrates how our faith is profoundly incarnational and concrete: The Angel Gabriel coming from heaven to earth, Mary expressing doubts about ability, and finally accepting the call to be the mother of God. 

To grace the final vows celebration was Bishop Rodrigo Mejia and Fr. Rigobert Kyungu SJ, the Provincial of Central African Province. Many other guests, graced the celebration: Tertians, people on sabbatical (who animated the liturgy), friends, and relatives. 

After the Mass, the newly finally vowed men went to the Sacristy to pronounce other vows. 

The celebration ended with a sumptuous dinner at PAC, where all guests were invited.