Africa-Press – Uganda. The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, has raised concern over the declining number of vocations to the Catholic priesthood, attributing the trend to increasing misinformation and damaging narratives targeting the Church.
Speaking during the solemn Chrism Mass held at Lubaga Cathedral earlier today, Archbishop Ssemogerere urged the faithful to reject misleading commentary about the priesthood and to encourage young people to heed the call to serve God.
“Many speak recklessly about the priesthood without knowledge or spiritual insight,” he said.
“This shortage is not because the call is no longer being made, but because many are discouraged by those who misrepresent it.”
The Chrism Mass, a central liturgical celebration held every Holy Thursday, commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood by Jesus Christ.
This year’s service was concelebrated by over 200 priests and attended by Retired Apostolic Pro-Nuncio Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, along with a congregation of seminarians, religious, and laity.
During the ceremony, the Archbishop blessed the three holy oils — the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism — which will be used throughout the year in sacraments such as baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, and holy orders.
Archbishop Ssemogerere also sounded the alarm over counterfeit holy oils being circulated in the country, warning the faithful against buying them from unauthorized sources.
“These are money-seekers exploiting people’s faith,” he said.
The Archbishop praised priests for their continued service in an increasingly challenging spiritual and social environment.
He acknowledged the pressures they face, especially amid criticism fueled by online discourse and societal skepticism.
Seven seminarians from different parts of Uganda were formally introduced to the congregation during the Mass, a sign of hope even as vocations decline.
Calling on Christians to restore reverence for the priesthood, the Archbishop emphasized the shared responsibility of the laity in nurturing future Church leaders.
“Let us uplift and honour this sacred calling so that young people may once again be inspired to respond to it,” he urged.
As the Church prepares to enter the Easter Triduum, Archbishop Ssemogerere’s message comes as a solemn reminder of the enduring need for spiritual leadership and the collective duty to safeguard it.
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