Fort Portal Catholic Diocese gears up for re-dedication of cathedral after one year of renovation
The cathedral located in Fort Portal City is the principal church of the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese and the seat of the bishop of the diocese
FORT PORTAL, February 8, 2025 — Fort Portal Catholic Diocese is gearing up for the re-dedication of Our Lady of Snows Virika Cathedral which has been under renovation for one year.
The cathedral located in Fort Portal City is the principal church of the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese and the seat of the bishop of the diocese.
According to the chairperson of the Virika cathedral renovation committee Msgr Isaiah Mayombo who also doubles as the Vicar General of Fort Portal Catholic diocese, the renovation project cost Shs 3.6 billion.
“After the cathedral had got some damage due to leakage of its roof, the diocese has for the past four years undertaken the project of renovating it. For one year, the cathedral had been closed off for worship and turned into a construction site,” Mayombo said Wednesday.
He highlighted that the event for re-dedicating Virika Cathedral is an opportunity for Tooro to publicise its rich cultural history and natural endowment like the friendly climate and physical features, all of which are attractions for both tourism and pilgrimage.
“The re-dedication of the cathedral is a call for spiritual renewal and fresh commitment to God as a family of believers after a long period of displacement due to renovation,” he said.
Ambitious Company Limited, the contractor responsible for the renovation of Our Lady of Snows Virika Cathedral officially handed over the completed work to the diocese of Fort Portal on January 30, 2025.
According to Mayombo, the re-redidication of our Lady of Snow Virika Cathedral is scheduled for March 2, and will be presided over by the Papal Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to be the Chief Guest.
About the cathedral
Our Lady of Snow Virika was built in 1967 and it was dedicated on April 21, 1968, by His Eminence Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa the then Archbishop of Bukaba, Tanzania.
Virika cathedral is the principal Church of the diocese and the seat of the bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese. The unique beauty and splendor of cathedral are a source of pride, not only for the Catholic community but for the entire region, which makes it a major tourist attraction; many people come from distant places just to see the cathedral of Virika.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 8
