The Reverend Canon George Kwari of the Church of St. Barnabas, Apostle and Martyr invited me to attend a special evening liturgy on September 11, 2026 in memory of the late King Oyo of Tooro, a regional kingdom within Uganda. On August 27, King Oyo died of cancer. He was just 34 years old. Diplomats of Uganda’s High Commission in Ottawa, members of the local Ugandan community, clergy and parishioners were among the 60 people in attendance at the Solemn Requiem Mass. And the Parish’s talented organist and choirmaster, Shawn Potter, provided the evening’s sacred music, along with several choristers.
King Oyo ascended to the throne at just three years of age, following the death of his father. During his short life, King Oyo, also known as King Rukidi IV, was a passionate advocate of environmental protection and a supporter of programmes from youth and young adults. Chargé d’Affaires Allan Kajik offered words of remembrance, sharing insight into the late monarch’s life. He spoke of King Oyo’s commitment to public health initiatives, especially HIV/AIDS advocacy, education that was accessible to all, and to preserving the heritage of the Tooro people. Speaking to the members of the Ugandan community, he shared: “As believers we are encouraged by the story of Jesus in the Bible when he wept: Jesus mourned the death of his friend Lazarus in John 11:35, showing that God understands human sorrow and does not expect people to suppress their grief. Let us mourn our king.” King Oyo was known in his community as a devout Anglican.
“Praise My Soul” served as the Processional Hymn, with words that spoke both to the ephemeral nature of human existence and to the enduring power and presence of God. “Frail as summer’s flower we flourish; Blows the wind and it is gone; But, while mortals rise and perish, God endures unchanging on,” was one of the verses that rang through the church. Fr. George served as the Celebrant and Homilist. He was joined by Reverend Canon James Beall, Reverend Joseph Kiirya, and Subdeacon Ellery Furlong. The vestments, incense, music and the richness of the liturgy were all a testimony to the Anglo-Catholic tradition for which St. Barnabas is known.
The Gradual Hymn, “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me,” encapsulated with its evocative words the Christian hope of life beyond this mortal coil. We heard and sang the words: “While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyes shall close in death, when I soar through tracts unknown, see thee on thy judgment throne; Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.”
Fr. George offered the homily from the raised pulpit, reflecting on Matthew 25 and on how we can look back on our life and see that we have left a positive mark on our community. He began by extending his condolences to the President of Uganda, the Chargé d’Affaires, King Oyo’s family, and to the Ugandan diaspora, including here in Canada. Fr. George shared some of the concrete ways in which King Oyo championed environmental protection, including the planting of ten million trees over a five year period, in an effort to combat drought and deforestation, and to protect endangered wetlands. The late king saw the potential of the youngest members of society, recognizing them as the leaders of tomorrow. He established scholarships for underprivileged youth and opened a farm, where young adults could learn about modern farming techniques and be inspired to consider an entrepreneurial future.
“Those who worked with him recall his remarkable personal humility. Despite his royal status, he frequently provided pocket money for local school children and quietly supported ordinary families in the community. My dear friends, this is how you change the world. From the day you are born until the day the Lord calls you home,” Fr. George said.
Fr. George continued:
“We gather this evening to celebrate this well-lived life, and if you slow down and consider what is true and real, we should ask: when your journey is run, and your life’s actions are reflected, will you be proud of how you spent your days on Earth? If you need to make some changes, let today be the day. You need to begin to make a difference in your life, such that when you die, our hearts will not be troubled because you’ve gone to the Father. Show love to others, and in your heart.”
The hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” was sung during the Offertory and “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer” as the Communion Hymn. When the liturgy began, the early evening sun streamed in through the windows of this downtown church. By the time we sang “Abide With Me, Fast Falls the Eventide,” the sky had darkened and the words took on a deeper, more tactile meaning.
One of the most memorable moments of the liturgy occurred when the choir chanted the “In Paradisum” antiphon in Latin. The order of service handed out to all present offered an English translation.
Following the liturgy, all were invited to a reception hosted in the Fred Allen Memorial Hall, attached to the church. Ottawa’s Ugandan community provided a taste of Uganda’s cuisine by offering a selection of the country’s appetizers and a fragrant spiced tea. Beyond serving as an example of Ottawa’s diversity, this gathering also pointed to the great expanse of cultures and lands where the Anglican faith is present.
Christopher Adam
Born in Montreal, Christopher Adam has called Ottawa home for the past twenty years. He received his MA from Carleton University, with a thesis focusing on twentieth century European church history, and a PhD in History from the University of Ottawa. Over the years, he has published widely and works in the faith-based charitable sector in Ottawa.
Thank you Christopher Adam for the comprehensive article.