Fr. Charles Lwanga, SCJ: The Priest of the Jubilee Year
In this double jubilee year of Hope and the centenary of the death of Fr. Dehon, the Cameroonian Province has given birth to a new priest: Father Charles Lwanga Touade Fotso, ordained on May 31, 2025.
On May 31, 2025, Deacon Charles Lwanga Touade Fotso, SCJ, was ordained a priest through the laying on of hands by Bishop Dieudonné Watio, Emeritus Bishop of the Diocese of Bafoussam, in Cameroon. In his homily, the bishop invited the new priest to give a good witness of life in unity and communion with his fellow brothers: “The way you live as a priest will be more important than what you do as a priest.” Furthermore, in view of the many challenges of individualism shaking religious life today, Bishop Dieudonné Watio strongly emphasized unity and communion in both personal life and pastoral action: “Living unity in your Congregation is more important than enjoying the fruits of your labor alone,” and “Acting in unity is more important than any achievement, however perfect, gained in isolation.”
Interviewed after the Mass about his priestly motto, Father Charles Lwanga expressed himself in these terms:
“I have placed my priesthood under the sign of Psalm 138:8: ‘Lord, your love is eternal; do not abandon the work of your hands.’ Throughout this journey, with all that it entails, one can only give thanks to the Lord, because it is He who does everything. That is why we can only give thanks to the Lord.”
The day after the ordination, the new priest, accompanied by his fellow graduates and other confreres, celebrated his very first Eucharist with the parish community of Ndiandam. It was a festive celebration, filled with joy and thanksgiving.
