Clare
The Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Association (MEPA) has yesterday commemorated the 60th anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs with its annual pilgrimage to the Catholic Shrine at Namugongo.
The Pilgrimage
The 2024 MEPA pilgrimage, which drew over 5,000 pilgrims, was led by the Diocese of Fort Portal and attended by four bishops from MEPA dioceses: Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki of Fort Portal, Bishop Callisto Rubaramira of Kabale, Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale of Kasese, and Bishop Vincent Kirabo of Hoima. Also present was Msgr. Ndugwa Severinus, Vicar General of Mbarara Archdiocese representing Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha in a Mass that was beautifully animated by the Kampala Entebbe Jinja Fort Portal Diocese Association KEJI-FODA.
In his homily, Bishop Muhiirwa reflected on the theme of the day: “Our faith in Christ gives us victory in the world.” urging the faithful to remain steadfast in faith, drawing inspiration from the courage of the Jewish woman and her seven children in the first reading, who refused to eat pork despite the threat of death. He compared their unwavering commitment to the Uganda Martyrs, who chose death over renouncing their faith.
Call to seek Intervention of Uganda Martyrs
Bishop Muhiirwa who called on Ugandans to deepen their knowledge of the history of the Uganda Martyrs and emulate their virtues in order to lead more meaningful lives, encouraged the faithful to pray for guidance and strength through the intercession of various martyrs.
He highlighted the example of St. Joseph Balikudembe, who confronted the Kabaka over a murder issue, urging Christians to have the courage to stand up against injustices such as corruption through his intercession. He also recommended St. Andrea Kaahwa, who was falsely accused of theft, to intercede for catechists, teachers, and the ending of the current escalating vice of domestic violence.
The Fort Portal local ordinary further encouraged the congregation to seek the intercession of St. Athanasius Bazekuketta for integrity in financial positions, and St. Bruno Serunkuma for the conversion of those struggling with excessive drinking, not forgetting the three young Martyr’s Sts Kizito, Gyavira and Mugaga who desisted from Kabaka ‘s homosexual advances for their faith.
According to the chairperson organizing committee MEPA Pilgrimage 2024, Mr Yuda Tadeo Kaawha, the function’s budget was fully covered with genuine contributions from parishes, MEPA Dioceses, and organizations like Centenary Bank.
The Mass which raised a total collection of over 21million Shs, was attended by various dignitaries, including Hon. Tom Butime, Minister of Wildlife and Antiquities, representing the Prime Minister of Uganda; Hon. Sylvia Bahereita Tumwekwase, Woman MP for Kamwenge District; the clergy; religious leaders; Sr Seraphine Kaitesirwa mother general Bamyatereza and Mr. Ndyanabo Gervase, National Head of Laity, among others.
Next year’s MEPA pilgrimage, will be animated by the Kasese Catholic Diocese.
