“I am grateful to you, dear parishioners and staff here at St. Anthony of Padua Parish (Akron) for welcoming me as your pastor to serve you,” said Father Dismas Byarugaba, AJ at his installation Mass.
Bishop Edward Malesic installed Father Byarugaba as St. Anthony’s fifth pastor during a Mass on Nov. 3. Several members of his congregation – the Apostles of Jesus – were among the concelebrants. Deacon Bob Stegmaier assisted with the liturgy, which was attended by parishioners and friends.
(See photo gallery above.)
St. Anthony of Padua was established in 1933 in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood as an Italian parish.
“I have felt at home here already. Even my Italian has improved,” Father Byarugaba quipped.
He noted his installation took place on the feast of St. Martin de Porres, patron saint of African Americans, biracial people, barbers, innkeepers, the poor, Peru, public health workers, public schools, television and interracial and social justice.
Father Byarugaba also serves as pastor of two other parishes in Akron: Visitation of Mary and St. John the Baptist. He said these ministries, as well as his previous assignments, have formed him as a servant leader and “a humble steward of God’s word and sacraments.”
In his 22 years as a priest, Father Byarugaba said he has learned two lessons: a priest is not ordained for himself and obedience to the bishop and religious superior. As a priest, he serves the people of God and shepherds those people. “The reason I am assigned here is for salvation of souls,” Father Byarugaba said. He acknowledged that God speaks to him through his superiors and that he took a vow to obey his superiors and his bishop.
Referring to the day’s readings, Father Byarugaba said the Gospel teaches about the great commandment to love God and our neighbor as we love ourselves. “My dear people of St. Anthony’s, I love you already. Yes, that is why I am here. Thank you for loving me in return. Let us love one another as Jesus loved us,” he added.
He also noted that in the reading, that St. Paul urges the Philippians to maintain their faith and joy in the Lord, despite the challenges.
Father Byarugaba thanked the faithful for their good wishes and asked for their prayers.
In his remarks, Bishop Malesic reminded the congregation that a parish has three important functions: prayer/worship, service and evangelization and each of us is called to do these things.
He noted that Father Byarugaba will serve as their shepherd as they pursue those things.
Father Byarugaba succeeds the late Father Edward Burba, who served as St. Anthony’s fourth pastor from October 2013 until his death on March 23 at age 75.
A reception followed the Mass.