Clare N
More than 42,000 pilgrims were yesterday registered to participate in the 2026 celebrations in honor of St. Adolf Ludigo Tibeyalirwa Abwooli, a native of Myeri, Katoosa in Kyenjojo District, Fort Portal Diocese.
The Annual Pilgrimage Mass was presided over by the Archbishop of the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha Adyeri, and concelebrated by Bishop Vincent Kirabo Amooti of Hoima Diocese, Bishop Callistus Rubaramira Amooti of Kabale Diocese, Bishop Emeritus Joseph Sabiiti Mugenyi Apuuli, and Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, the host bishop.
Martyrs are lamps of Faith- Bishop Kirabo
In his homily, Bishop Vincent Kirabo Amooti of Hoima Diocese referred to the martyrs as lamps of faith and encouraged Christians not only to uphold good moral conduct but also to actively teach faith to others.
He described the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province as blessed to have three martyrs, St. Adolf Ludigo Abwooli, St. Andrea Kaahwa, and St. Anatoli Kiligwaijo who originate from Hoima in Mbarara Archdiocese .
He urged the faithful to be inspired by the Martyr’s faith and live lives that reflect God’s will.
Call to Perseverance and choosing a marrow path
Reflecting on the theme from Joshua 1:9, “Be courageous and do not be afraid,” Bishop Kirabo encouraged pilgrims to trust in God’s promises despite the challenges they face.
He reminded them that perseverance leads to success, just as it did for the Uganda Martyrs.
He further cautioned Christians about the two paths the narrow and the wide observing that the world today is increasingly drawn to the wide path marked by corruption, injustice, wars, and other actions contrary to God’s will, advising believers to choose the narrow path that leads to eternal life, a path of light, peace, sacrifice, and faithfulness to God.
Bishop Kirabo emphasized that, beyond good behavior, Christians have a responsibility to teach and share the faith with others in order to sustain and strengthen God’s people across generations.
He commended the pilgrims for sacrificing their daily activities to take part in the pilgrimage and encouraged them to make pilgrimages a regular spiritual practice, not limited to January 27. He urged them to visit Katoosa throughout the year in groups and pray through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs.
Nyahuka Parish to animate 2026 Katoosa pilgrimage
In his remarks, Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa thanked his fellow bishops for honoring the pilgrimage and expressed gratitude to the pilgrims for their continued commitment to the faith.
He announced that Nyahuka Parish, under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Mwanga, will be responsible for animating the 2027 Katoosa Pilgrimage.