Archbishop William E. Lori will ordain five men to the priesthood June 21 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland. The following is a profile of one of those future priests. New profiles of the other new priests will be added to the Catholic Review site daily from June 15 to June 20. Click here to read them.
When Deacon Alex Mwebaze arrived in Maryland seven years ago from Uganda, he encountered a world full of surprises. From the flavors of steamed crabs to the cold embrace of winter weather, everything was new. Yet, the most unexpected discovery for him was the deep faith that permeates American communities, shattering the stereotype he had back home.
“The perception people have of faith in America is that there is none, that people don’t go to church,” Deacon Mwebaze explained, reflecting on how many in Uganda view Americans. “The fact is, people do go to church. People have faith. They love God and are very committed.”
Deacon Mwebaze, along with five other deacons, will be ordained as priests June 21 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland, marking the culmination of his journey to priesthood.
Raised in a Catholic family in Uganda as one of four boys, Deacon Mwebaze’s experience at boarding school in a nearby city prepared him for life in the United States. While some may struggle with homesickness, Deacon Mwebaze adapted quickly.
“I settled in very fast,” he said. “I miss the traditional food, the people, the kids’ smiles and noise. I miss life in African villages.” Though distance separates him from his family, he regularly stays connected via FaceTime and has invited them to his ordination. Although uncertain they can make the trip, he remains hopeful, knowing that “if they cannot make it, they’ll use YouTube.”
Sponsored by St. Joseph, Odenton, Deacon Mwebaze also had pastoral assignments at St. Joseph in Emmitsburg, St. Stephen in Kingsville, St. John in Westminster and St. Louis in Clarksville/Francis of Assisi in Fulton. Through his assignments, he discovered he enjoyed working with young adults. He learned that while students from Catholic school knew how to pray and make the Sign of the Cross, the students from non-secular schools were not as familiar or comfortable.
“They are very shy. I taught them to pray. I like to be involved in talking with them about Jesus,” Deacon Mwebaze said. “I found it to be the highlight of my time.”
Deacon Mwebaze also enjoys food, and while he would not consider himself a chef, he does like to cook.
“I have taught myself through YouTube and watching people,” Deacon Mwebaze said. “I am not a good cook, but I wouldn’t starve.”
He likes to keep active and plays basketball and volleyball, though he worries about his knees.
“I hope they don’t mess me up while I age,” he said.
When he is ordained, he looks forward to being with the people of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
“Uganda led me to be here. People here became my family. It is where I have work, friends,” Deacon Mwebaze said. “The Lord places me on their path.”
Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org
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