Brother Adolf Reflects on the life and Legacy of Servant of God Bishop Vincent McCauley, C.S.C.

Writer: Br. Adolf Mugume, C.S.C  | Nov 4, 2025

Welcome to the FaithND Daily Gospel Reflection, an outreach of the Notre Dame Alumni Association. Today’s reflection is written by Brother Adolf Mugume, C.S.C., Director of Communications for the Congregation of Holy Cross in Rome This reflection was written on Nov. 4, 2025, which marked the 67th anniversary of the arrival of the Holy Cross Missionaries in Uganda, led by Servant of God Vincent J McCauley, C.S.C

“You sent Jesus away!”

Bishop Vincent McCauley, C.S.C., exclaimed when he awoke from a nap and was told that a poor person who had come to see him had been turned away so as not to interrupt his rest. Not only did he have a big heart for the poor, but he also went to the depths of his faith.

On the 4th of November, 1982, the heavens opened on campus at Notre Dame when, on a somewhat bright day, snow flurries fell. Those who knew Bishop Vincent and were aware that he had named his new Cathedral in Fort Portal “Our Lady of the Snows” recognized the appropriate sign of heaven’s welcome. Fr. John Croston wrote: “A valiant man of God died. A Saint was born.”

Today, we commemorate the burial date of Servant of God Bishop, himself an alumnus of Notre Dame, who led the first Holy Cross Mission to Uganda on November 4, 1958. This was true because he breathed his last on All Saints Day, joining multitudes of people who have never been officially canonized, but lived lives of deep faith, hope, and love. We pray that one day he might be counted among the officially canonized, as his cause moves forward in the church.

There is no doubt that his life was Christ-like; we see God’s love made manifest in his devotion to Mother Mary and his zeal. Bishop McCauley lived a life of the Beatitudes, vivid in his simplicity and endurance. He built not only churches and seminaries but also formed hearts through promoting Christian unity among peoples, cultures, and faiths.

As a founder of the Uganda Joint Christian Council and a key voice at Vatican II, Bishop McCauley championed ecumenism and African leadership within the church, drawing the church closer to the people. When we think of the divisions and cultural indifferences in our society today. Bishop McCauley is a perfect example of Christian unity achieved through prayer, cooperation, dialogue, and charity.

Inspired by his example and witness, may we never send Jesus away, but rather welcome him in all whom we meet. Then we, too, might be counted among the saints.

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