Uganda – Fr Giuseppe Clerici Awarded the Honour of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy

During the ceremony, the Ambassador expressed his deep gratitude to Fr Clerici for his long and generous missionary service in Uganda. He also paid tribute to all missionaries who have dedicated their lives to proclaiming the Gospel and promoting human dignity.

Upon receiving the diploma and medal, Fr Clerici thanked the Italian Embassy for the support it has provided over the years to the work of the Comboni Missionaries in Uganda.

Also present at the ceremony were Fr Anthony Kimbowa Kibira, Provincial Superior of the Comboni Missionaries in Uganda, several friends of Fr Clerici, and representatives of the Italian Embassy.

This year, Father Giuseppe Clerici reached the milestone of his 90^th birthday, continuing to be a living witness to faith, dedication and missionary service.

Heartfelt congratulations are extended to him, together with sincere gratitude for all the good he has accomplished during many years of missionary work, and prayers for abundant blessings in the years ahead.

Born in Cadorago (Como) on 8^th May 1936, he made his perpetual religious profession on 9^th September 1962 and was ordained to the priesthood on 30^th March 1963.

Assigned to the Uganda mission in 1965, he has devoted his life to serving those most in need, working for decades in various communities and dioceses. Among his most notable assignments were Anaka Parish and Holy Rosary Parish in the Diocese of Gulu.

He celebrated the 50^th anniversary of his priestly ordination in 2013 and the 60^th anniversary in 2023. Today, he resides at the Provincial House in Kampala and continues to be a valued point of reference for missionary work.

To this tireless giant of the mission, we offer our warmest wishes that he may continue for many years to come to serve “on the front line”, with the same enthusiasm, faith and love for the people he has accompanied throughout his life.