EDITORIAL
Bishop Robert K.Muhiirwa of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese has called upon Christians to be inspired by the lives of the Uganda Martyrs, urging them to become “pilgrims of hope” rooted in strong faith, upright family values, and moral integrity, especially in the face of modern challenges such as chronic illnesses, drug abuse, and the misuse of technology.
He delivered this message yesterday, during his homily at the annual pilgrimage held at the birthplace of St. Andrea Kaahwa (Kaggwa), in Kooki Haibaale, Kakumiro District, where thousands of faithful gathered to commemorate the saint on May 26th.
Bishop Muhiirwa particularly appealed to the youth to emulate martyrs like St. Charles Lwanga, who exemplified strong faith and guided fellow young people in living morally upright lives. He warned against growing moral complacency, criticizing behaviors such as exam malpractice, immoral gatherings, alcoholism, and drug abuse, which he said have eroded values and spiritual well-being.
The Fort Portal Bishop, encouraged young people to engage in faith-based movements such as the Young Christian Students (YCS), Xaverians, and the Pioneers Movement, which nurture responsible citizenship and spiritual growth. These, he explained would help young Christians resist moral confusion and harmful ideologies, including pressures around sexuality and modern cultural influences like pornography and immodest dressing. He reminded them that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should reflect chastity in word and action, as exemplified by the young martyrs Kizito and Gyavira.
The pilgrimage, organized under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, attracted participants from across the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province and was animated by Muhorro Catholic Parish from the Kagadi Vicariate. The Pontifical Mass was presided over by Bishop Vincent Kirabo Amooti of Hoima Diocese. The day also recognized the vital mission of catechists, with 400 catechists from Mbarara Archdiocese alone renewing their vows through the intercession of their patron, St. Andrea Kaahwa.
As part of the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, the faithful were encouraged to pray for the Pope’s intentions, frequently receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, perform acts of charity, and make pilgrimages to gain plenary indulgences.
The annual Kooki pilgrimage was chosen by the Hoima Catholic Diocese as a central event, following a consensus among bishops of the Mbarara Province to promote this important spiritual tradition. Similarly in the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province, is the annual Pilgrimage to Katoosa, the birthplace of Adolf Tibeyalirwa in Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, every January 27th.
