Originally from a small town in Uganda, Fr. Joseph Luzindana joins our parish this summer as our new associate pastor. We extend to him our warmest welcome!
“I’m looking forward to serving, to be an instrument of God to all — the young, the children, the old, to everyone,” he says.
Fr. Joseph was born into a devout Catholic family, and both of his parents were farmers who served as catechists and encouraged their four boys on the journey of faith.
“Honestly, at home, we grew up in a very Catholic way,” Fr. Joseph says. “My parents really brought us up in a very Catholic way. I was saying the Rosary at home in my childhood — it was something I was used to. I would say my Rosary and go to Mass every day.”
His father established Catholic communities in some of the rural areas of their diocese, and he brought the whole family into each new community. Every move meant a new start for Fr. Joseph’s family. Through it all, while living in poverty, the family was devoted to the Church.
Fr. Joseph recalls a desire for the priesthood from a young age. He was also a talented musician, actor, and leader. He participated as a choir member and a musician from a young age, which led to awards and bursaries. Ultimately, Fr. Joseph went to Namasagali College to study Performing Arts, his desire for the priesthood being put on hold.
However, while he was attending university, Fr. Joseph heard the call from Our Blessed Mother to pursue the priesthood.
“It is something I attribute to the Rosary and to Our Lady,” he says. “I have a strong devotion to Our Lady and St. Joseph.”
In August 2002, Fr. Joseph was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Kampala. He served as an associate pastor at Our Lady of Help Konge Parish and St. Jude Naggulu Parish. He has worked with children and youth throughout the years of his priesthood. This includes founding two Catholic high schools and assisting Catholic grade schools back in Uganda. He also worked as Director of the Children and Youth Apostolate in the Kampala Archdiocese.
“I love children, I love young people,” he says.
One of the things Fr. Joseph is most looking forward to about his new assignment is serving the youth and children of our parish community.
“Jesus was a youth, He was a young person — most of the saints have been young, most of the martyrs,” he says. “I think I have hope for the young people, if they embrace Jesus, to change the church and the world at last.”
In addition, Fr. Joseph founded the Knights of St. Charles Lwanga, an association for young Catholic professionals in Kampala, and was the Chaplain for the Catholic Business Community in Kampala City. He served on the archdiocesan curia as well as on the National Youth Ministry team. During the visit of Pope Francis to Uganda in 2015, he was on the National Task Force and the MC at the final event when the pope met with the youth of Uganda.
During a trip to the United States in 2021 for a visit with one of his brother priests, Fr. Joseph felt called to bring his ministry here in the Diocese of Jefferson City.
“I want the Holy Spirit to use me the way He wants,” he says. “I’d be very happy if God can use me to win souls for Christ. Prayer, words, action — I pray for your prayers, that I may be faithful to the Lord for God to use me.”
Fr. Joseph is grateful for the hospitality and generosity he has already received and looks forward to getting to know our parish community. Welcome, Fr. Joseph!