Africa-Press – Uganda. The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has raised concern over what he described as a growing culture of indiscipline and intolerance in society, warning that belittling and cyberbullying others over differences is fast becoming a dangerous norm.
He made the remarks while presiding over the Chrism Mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Holy Thursday.
“It has become a habit for people to belittle others simply because they disagree, without even sparing fellow believers or showing restraint,” the Archbishop said.
The annual Chrism Mass drew large numbers of Christians from across the Kampala Archdiocese, who gathered at Lubaga during Holy Week ahead of Easter celebrations. The Mass is one of the most significant liturgical events in the Catholic calendar, bringing together clergy and laity in a display of unity and renewal of faith.
In his homily, Archbishop Ssemogerere underscored the spiritual significance of the holy oils used in the Church, emphasizing their central role in the sacraments.
“The holy oil sanctifies Christians in baptism, strengthens them with the Holy Spirit in confirmation, and is used in the consecration of the Church,” he explained.
He further noted that the importance of these oils extends beyond church rituals and into the everyday lives of believers, symbolizing healing, strength, and spiritual commitment.
“Its value is not limited to the Church alone, but also plays a role in the daily lives of Christians,” he added.
Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the Archbishop expressed deep concern over what he described as a worrying decline in compassion and respect among people.
“It is unfortunate that people today demean and abuse one another without distinction and without any sense of compassion or restraint,” he said, pointing to both physical interactions and online platforms where hostility and cyberbullying have become increasingly common.
He called on Christians and the wider public to embrace values of humility, respect, and understanding, especially in times of disagreement.
The Archbishop also relayed a message of peace inspired by Pope Leo, urging believers to actively promote harmony in their communities.
“All Christians are called to strive for peace in everything they do,” he emphasized.
The celebration also marked the Day of Priests, during which Archbishop Ssemogerere commended clergy for their dedication and service to the Church. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their vocation, uphold unity, and remain faithful to Church teachings.
“Continue serving with commitment, uphold your dignity, and remain united in the mission of the Church,” he urged.
During the Mass, six seminarians preparing for ordination as deacons were presented to the congregation, receiving prayers and support as they take the next step in their religious vocation.
The ceremony concluded with the consecration of the holy oils—the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Chrism—which will be distributed to parishes and used by priests across the archdiocese throughout the year.
The Archbishop’s message comes at a time when concerns about social cohesion and respectful engagement—both offline and online—continue to grow, with his call serving as a reminder of the need for empathy, discipline, and unity in society.
