By Watchdog reporter
Fr. Dr. Deogratias Ssonko has gone on his knees to ask the Archbishop of Kampala Cyprian Kizito Lwanga to forgive him so that he could return to the Roman Catholic Church.
Last year in July, Fr. Ssonko publicly declared that he had left the Roman Catholic Church and joined the Evsngelical Orthodox Church joining the likes of rebel priests which included Fr.Jacinto Kibuuka, Fr. Anthony Musaala among others.
In his article which has appeared in today’s New Vision, Fr. Ssonko says this was against the permission of his ordinary whereby he started ministering to the flock at Mamre Prayer Centre which belongs to the Evangelical Orthodox Church; whose centre is near the international Roman Catholic Shrine of the Martyrs from Uganda where he had been rector for over eight years.
“During the lenten season of this year, i began my serious meditation to return to Roman Catholic Church. I then decided to write to Bishop Dr. Tom Kiiza Sibayirwa, the presiding Bishop of the evangelical orthodox in Uganda, that out of my own free will i had left the evangelical church. The bishop wrote back and thanked me for the decision, the good time we had shared together and concluded by promising me his prayers,” Fr. Ssonko’s apology partly read.
According to the priest, it was during that time that he realised the gravity of the decision he had taken.
He admits that he disobeyed the Pope and his Bishop Dr. Kizito Lwanga as well as causing spiritual and moral injury to his relatives and the faithful, especially those in Kampala Archdiocese and more so in the Namugongo Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine parish.
He has thus requested for a pardon and forgiveness from the Church citing that he feels guilty.
“I also renew and reaffirm my faith in the apostolic tradition and my obedience to the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church: His Holiness Pope Francis, His grace Archbishop Dr. C.K Lwanga,” Fr. Ssonko stated.
Have something to add to this article? Send to info@watchdog.co.ug or whatsapp up us +256752545880
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com