Over 3000 foot pilgrims have been flagged off to trek to Katoosa, ahead of the January 27, 2023 Katoosa celebrations in commemoration of a one, St. Adolf Tibeyalirwa, the only Uganda Martyr hailing from Fort Portal diocese.
They were flagged off by Richard Rwabuhinga the district chairperson Kabarole, who also assured them of good security along their journey.
Before the flag off, Fr. Moses Mutangirizi, the parish Priest Bukwali, said Mass for the pilgrims, and encouraged the youth to work hard in addition to praying.
He also asked women and men to live peacefully in their homes, and do away with domestic violance.
The foot pilgrims, are expected to travel a distance of about 43 Kilometers in a single night, but with stop overs.
The Pilgrims
According to Acleo Ajuna, the coordinator 2023 Katosa pilgrimage, the registered pilgrims have come from Bundibugyo Yerya, Kanyamukare,Rwimi,Bugombwa, Kazingo, Bigodi, Kamwenge, Kasese, Ntoroko, Nyahuka, among others.
The first group
The 81 pilgrims from Bugombwa parish that set off for Katoosa on Saturday, reached Bukwali parish yesterday where they joined other pilgrims for a general trek to Katosa today.
These are expected to travel the longest journey of about 150 km, from Bundibugyo to Kyenjojo.
According to Joas Bakatwiika a catechist and a group leader of the Bugombwa pilgrims they started their pilgrimage on Friday night, had ample sleep overs up to when they reached Bukwali catholic parish yesterday.
He says some pilgrims have experienced a challenge of feet pain and swelling and are yet to get any first aid.
Journey of Prayer and Hope
Ivan Jafania aged 14 the youngest pilgrim from Bugombwa parish says that his parents are poor and he was forced to walk from Bundibugyo to Katoosa to pray to God for financial break through to enable him get school fees considering the fact that first term is approaching yet he sees no hope.
Pulina Ngulibeta aged 56 and the oldest pilgrim from Bugombwa parish says that she was forced to walk from Bugombwa parish to Katoosa parish because of much challenges she is facing.
However, by the time of departure, Jubilee radio learnt that the youngest pilgrim is 9 years.
