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Our Mission Begins
Based on Father Joseph’s invitation at the end of mass, missionary groups began to travel from the U.S. to Ibanda, Uganda in East Africa, where Father Joseph ministers. Ibanda, Uganda is in the Southwest portion of Uganda, and is surrounded by turmoil. It is not far from Rwanda; the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Northern Uganda (which has been in civil war for almost 20 years); Darfur north of Northern Uganda; and Kenya to the east. Southwest Uganda, which includes Ibanda, is a peaceful area in the midst of so much strife.
The first group to go to Ibanda consisted of only two people who went for one month. They returned from Uganda with stories of extreme poverty suffered in this part of Africa. The people of Ibanda, Uganda suffer from malnourishment, lack of drinking water and unsanitary conditions caused in large part by inadequate trash removal and the need for clean water to bathe. In addition, AIDS is an issue, although Uganda has made more progress in this area than most African countries. A missionary from the first group returned to Ibanda in May of 2007, remaining there until 16 missionaries were able to unite with her in July of 2007. 
The Mission Defined
In July of 2007 the group of 16 went to Uganda to begin the process of developing relationships with the Ibandan villagers, striving to make a difference in their lives. Over the years leading up to the outreach, St. Vincent DePaul parish had been supporting Father Joseph financially in his mission, allowing him to build a simple rectory building in the midst of his parish and to acquire a truck to travel around his expansive parish. The rectory building and truck allowed pilgrims/missionaries to feel comfortable traveling to this very poor part of Africa. It was soon realized that the church had reached a stage where it needed to grow to encompass the enthusiasm of the community surrounding it and the missionaries who wanted to help.
The Village
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Mission Accomplishments
This group of 16 missionaries not only conducted their anticipated survey of the people’s needs, but went forward with some actual projects in Ibanda.
- Purchasing and erecting mosquito nets for about 60 boarders at a primary school to prevent the students from contracting mosquito borne diseases such as malaria.
- Loaning money for a sewing machine for a would-be tailor. As he repays the loan, the group pays for educating his four children.
- Teaching at the elementary school, including geography, math and wiffle ball.
- Visiting and developing a relationship with the local orphanage.
- Most importantly, just loving the people of Ibanda, Uganda
Our Mission Expands and Grows
The following photos are from the Catholic Life Congress which took place on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor, PA. Our group was there to educate and to raise awareness of our mission in Ibanda, Uganda.
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