Clare N
About 1,000 women subscribing to the Uganda Catholic Women Association (UCWA) across the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese have made a pilgrimage to Virika Cathedral, in line with the Jubilee Year of Hope and the call for holy pilgrimages recommended by Pope Francis.
The pilgrimage program included each woman passing through the Holy Door of Virika Cathedral, benediction led by Fr. Gerald Akugizibwe the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, and finally the celebration of the Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki.
Women of Value
In his homily, Bishop Muhiirwa reminded the UCWA women that although women are sometimes undervalued by men, they should always remember that they are of great value and carry many responsibilities.
He recognized the active role of women in the Church, encouraging them to deepen their relationship with God, prepare amply for Mass, and participate actively in the liturgy, saying that Jesus both feeds and heals his people through the Eucharist.
The Fort Portal Local ordinary, further invited the women to pray for the conversion of young girls who continue to end up on the streets selling their bodies, and to pray for men to become more responsible, drawing from the message of the parable of the Prodigal Son.
Refraining from Jealousy
The Bishop also urged the women to avoid jealousy and instead embrace mutual support and love, following the example of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and her cousin Elizabeth, who celebrated each other’s God-given gifts and prepare their hearts for the coming birth of Christ.
The National Director of UCWA Jane Frances Kamashamba, commended the Diocese of Fort Portal for its active participation and strong promotion of the movement. She encouraged the women to prioritize their vocation as “mothers of the earth” by caring for the environment and raising responsible children.
About UCWA
Restetuta Mboijana Balinda, President of UCWA Fort Portal Diocese, noted that the association welcomes all women aged 18 and above, married, unmarried, widowed, and others,with the goal of fostering spiritual, psychological, and socioeconomic development.
She expressed her gratitude to the Bishop for his continued support,the Pastoral Coordinator and the Chaplain for Lay Apostolate Movements, Fr.Balikirungi, for organizing the mega event.