Fr. Joseph Mary Lukyamuzi, OSB, Novice Master

Fr. Joseph Mary was born in Uganda on July 15, 1955 and attended St. Bernard’s College in Masaka, Uganda. Fulfilling a dream he had nourished since he was 10 years old, he had his Seminary formation both in Katigondo and St. Mary’s Ggaba major seminaries in Uganda, and he attended Makerere University in Kampala with a major in Pastoral studies and Theology. He was ordained a priest in 1981. He became the assistant pastor and Father-In-Charge of Primary and High School education in a Ugandan parish for two years, after which he was made Pastor and Health Care Coordinator for a parish 200 miles away. He also has served as a Diocesan Youth Chaplain, Coordinator for Orphan Care Programs, Director of Married Couples, and then Chaplain and teacher at two Ugandan vocational schools.

In 1999, Fr. Joseph Mary decided to become a Benedictine monk and, after a period of discernment, relocated to the United States at Mary Mother of the Church Abbey. In 2006 he became a fully professed member of the Abbey’s monastic community. He is  currently on the Chaplain’s team  at Benedictine and Novice Master of the monastery, assists at St. Joseph parish in Richmond, gives spiritual direction and conducts spiritual retreats at the Abbey.