By Rev. Fr. Innocent Muhumuza
Today, March 2, 2025, marks a historic and joyful moment in the life of Fort Portal Diocese as we gather to witness the rededication of Our Lady of the Snows Virika Cathedral. After a year of extensive renovation, this sacred house of worship has been restored to its grandeur and splendor, once again ready to serve as the spiritual center of the diocese. But this day is not just about the completion of a physical structure; it is a testimony to unwavering faith, perseverance, and the fulfillment of hope.
This rededication comes at a providential time—the Jubilee Year of Hope, declared by Pope Francis under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”. With hearts full of gratitude and devotion, we echo the words of the psalmist: “I rejoiced when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” (Psalm 122:1). It is a moment of renewal for the entire diocese as we commit ourselves anew to deepening our faith, strengthening our unity, and embracing the call to evangelization.
Unlike many dioceses where the Jubilee Year began in the cathedral, Fort Portal Diocese took a different path. Since Virika Cathedral was undergoing renovation, the Holy Door was opened at Our Lady of Sorrows, Bukwali Parish. Though we did not begin this sacred year in our mother church, we give thanks to God that the greater part of it will now be celebrated in this newly restored cathedral. And now, as we return to Virika Cathedral, our joy is like that of the Israelites returning to Jerusalem after their exile. Just as they rejoiced in rebuilding the Temple, we too rejoice in reclaiming our sacred home.
Psalm 122, from which the theme of today’s rededication is drawn, is a song of pilgrimage, sung by the Israelites as they ascended to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. The Temple was the center of their faith, the place where God’s presence dwelt among His people. However, history saw the Israelites exiled to Babylon for seventy years. Separated from their place of worship, their longing for the Temple deepened. When the time finally came to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Lord’s house, their joy was indescribable. As Ezra and Nehemiah led the reconstruction, the people wept, sang, and praised God, knowing that their bond with the Lord was being restored (Ezra 3:10-13).
Similarly, our return to Virika Cathedral after a year of worshiping in different places is a moment of great spiritual renewal. Our exile was not physical but symbolic—a time of waiting, longing, and preparation. Today, as we step into this renewed house of worship, we truly rejoice.
Jubilees have always been special times of renewal, liberation, and restoration. The word Jubilee comes from the Hebrew Yōḇēl (יוֹבֵל), meaning a ram’s horn, which was used to proclaim a time of freedom and divine restoration (Leviticus 25:9). In the New Testament, Jesus proclaims the fulfillment of this Jubilee spirit in His mission: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to proclaim liberty to captives, sight to the blind, and to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18-19). This Jubilee Year of Hope calls all Catholics to return to God, seek renewal, and become pilgrims of hope in a broken world.
The rededication of Virika Cathedral within this sacred year is deeply symbolic. It is a testament to the triumph of hope and perseverance. When Rt. Rev. Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki made the first appeal for renovation of the Cathedral, COVID-19 struck, disrupting fundraising efforts and delaying the work. Later, rising construction costs and an expanded scope of renovations threatened to halt progress. Yet, hope never disappoints (Romans 5:5). Through the faith, prayers, and generosity of the people, God provided abundantly. Today, as we stand in this renewed and glorious house of worship, we witness the truth that those who trust in the Lord will never be put to shame (Isaiah 49:23).
In accordance with the Pope’s vision, diocesan authorities have declared Virika Cathedral a pilgrimage site for the Jubilee indulgences. Those who visit, confess their sins, participate in the Eucharist, and pray for the Pope’s intentions will receive a plenary indulgence, making this cathedral a center of grace and spiritual renewal throughout the Holy Year. This rededication, therefore, is not just a return to a physical building but a spiritual homecoming, reminding us that God’s mercy is always open to those who seek Him. May we embrace this noble opportunity in accordance with the pastoral guidelines provided.
Like the Israelites who returned from exile to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, we too rejoice in reclaiming our sacred space. They had longed for their Temple, and when it was restored, they wept with joy and gratitude (Ezra 3:10-13). Similarly, after a year of worshiping elsewhere, today we return home, celebrating the faithfulness of God. Virika Cathedral, now stronger and more beautiful, stands as a monument to God’s unwavering love and providence.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the cathedral itself tells a story of resilience and hope. One of its most remarkable features is its foundation, built on base isolators, which make it resistant to seismic tremors. This is a profound symbol in this Jubilee Year of Hope. Just as the cathedral stands firm against earthquakes, we too are called to remain steadfast in our faith amid the challenges of life. These base isolators remind us that, no matter the tremors of doubt or suffering, Christ is our firm foundation. They also symbolize the ever-flowing grace of God that sustains His people in times of trial.
The unique architectural design of Virika Cathedral speaks powerfully to us in this sacred year. Unlike many traditional churches built of stone, this cathedral is constructed with metal and glass, giving it a distinct character. The metal symbolizes strength, endurance, and resilience—qualities that define the faith of our people. Just as metal can be shaped and refined, our faith, too, must be molded by God’s grace. The glass walls allow light to flood the sanctuary, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12). As we enter this cathedral, may we be reminded of our call to be channels of Christ’s light, dispelling the darkness of sin, despair, and division. The transparency of the glass urges us to live lives of integrity, letting Christ’s light shine through our words and deeds. The cathedral’s round structure is also deeply symbolic, representing unity, eternity, and the embrace of God, representing unity, eternity, and the embrace of God’s love. Unlike rigid, linear structures, the round design reminds us that faith is a continuous journey, one that calls us to communion with God and with one another. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, may this unique design inspire us to foster unity in our communities, embracing all as brothers and sisters in Christ.
As we step into this newly blessed Virika Cathedral, let us do so with hearts filled with gratitude and hope. This sacred homecoming is not just about returning to a physical space, but about renewing our spiritual journey. Like the Israelites who rejoiced upon returning to the Temple, we, too, rejoice as we reenter this sanctuary, which stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness.
In this Jubilee Year, we are called to deepen our faith, seek reconciliation, and become true Pilgrims of Hope, bringing Christ’s love into the world. This cathedral, renewed through the sacrifice and generosity of many, stands as a beacon of that hope. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to all who made this renovation possible—the bishop, the clergy, the religious, the laity, and all benefactors whose prayers, efforts, and contributions have brought this vision to life. Their dedication reflects the spirit of the early Christian community, where believers shared all they had for the good of God’s work (Acts 4:32-35).
What once seemed delayed, difficult, and even impossible has now been accomplished. Through this journey, we have witnessed God’s providence, turning obstacles into stepping stones of faith. Just as the Israelites rejoiced in rebuilding their Temple, we, too, rejoice as we return to Virika Cathedral, our sacred home. This is not just a return to a place, but a call to renew our hearts and strengthen our faith.
As we embark on this pilgrimage of hope, let us remember that we are all journeying toward our eternal home in God’s kingdom. Each step in faith brings us closer to the promise of eternal joy in His presence. Today, as the Papal Nuncio blesses this cathedral, let us rededicate our lives to God, embracing the mission of this Jubilee Year—to be true Pilgrims of Hope.
May Our Lady of Snows, patroness of Virika Cathedral, intercede for us so that this Jubilee Year may be a time of abundant grace, renewal, and blessings.