My name is Thomas Birungi. I am the second of four children to my parents Mugisa Laurence and Asiimwe Margret, who are peasants depending for their livelihood on small scale farming. I attended St Charles Lwanga Nyansozi Primary School where I participated in choir, boy scouts, volleyball, and basketball. I did well in school, and was on honor roll and received an academic achievement award. Attending a Catholic school helped me to grow academically, in my faith, and as a person, giving me high moral standards.

After my advanced level of education, I felt drawn to join the seminary to serve the Lord as a priest or a religious. My dream could not be achieved due to the diocesan major seminary requiring candidates to have studied at the minor seminary first. I thank God for bringing one of the Capuchin brothers to our region for his ordination, after which I became connected to Capuchins, giving me a chance at last to join the religious life. 

When I informed my parents about my resolve to join the Capuchins, my mother was very happy but as a peasant farmer she had no money to pay the required fees for me to join. In addition my father was still trying to educate my younger siblings. Thankfully the good Christians in our local church where I used to pray and do some work bought me some little things and gave me transport to join the Capuchin formation. 

Through studying at Tangaza University College I have learned much of the Catholic faith during my philosophical studies. This wisdom from the university program has helped me much in my holidays, because I have volunteered at my local church during vacation time. My favorite volunteer experience has been helping out with vacation Bible school. Through this I have been able to help kids grow in their faith. I love these opportunities because they have allowed me to be a positive role model for kids.  

I have now managed to finish my philosophical studies at Tangaza University College and am hoping to move on to the next level of formation. It makes me sad when I look back at the struggles my family faces at home which are nearly too much to make ends meet. I continue to trust in the Lord that He can provide all the resources necessary for this formation and for my studies so that I can achieve my goal of serving the people of God as a religious!

OPTIONS FOR SPONSORSHIP

$500/month is a full sponsorship, but we give options for multiple sponsors to join together to sponsor a seminarian. If a seminarian is already partially sponsored, you may see less options for sponsorship.

Br. Thomas will be writing to each sponsor and praying for each family daily. Please know that sponsorship for his studies to become a priest (total of 4 years) is an enormous answer to his prayers and he will forever be praying for you whether you sponsor him partially or fully.