Clare
The St Jude Thadeus Devotees in the Diocese of FortPortal (Yuda Tadeo)has made the first pilgrimage in a large gathering to Virika Cathedral, ever since it’s Inauguration on March 2nd last week.
During the Holy Mass at Virika Cathedral, animated by Kitagwenda Parish choir, Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki preaching on the first lenten Sunday, urged the faithful to reflect on the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring temptations from the devil and overcoming them with the power of the Holy Spirit. He reminded the congregation that, like Jesus, they may face temptations from themselves, family members, spouses, or colleagues, but they should remember they are God’s children and trust in the Holy Spirit to guide them through these challenges.
Bishop Muhiirwa also emphasized the three pillars of Lent: prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. He encouraged the faithful to embrace the five “P’s” of prayer: Preparation, Proper posture (ensuring not to inconvenience others), Praising and worshipping God, and Offering petitions both for themselves and others, with special emphasis on attending Holy Mass when possible.
Guidance on Fasting
In addition to fasting from meat, the bishop advised believers to fast from daily addictions, offering the discomfort of doing without them as a form of solidarity with Christ. He also encouraged sharing with those in need, particularly family members and neighbors, as part of the journey of repentance.
The bishop further urged the Yuda Thaddeus pilgrims to always express gratitude to God and their patron saints after their prayers are answered, and to join other church movements, such as the Catholic Men’s and Women’s Associations, to promote wholesome family growth.
First Pilgrimage to the Cathedral
Miss Margaret Kanyunyuzi Atwoki, the Diocesan leader of the Yuda Thaddeus Movement, expressed her gratitude to the bishop for allowing them to make their first pilgrimage to the Cathedral after its inauguration. She requested that a dedicated space be made available to display the portrait of their saint in his honor.
She also acknowledged the significant growth in faith among believers, noting the tripling of participants in this year’s pilgrimage compared to last year. Rev. Fr. Silvanus Barikurungi, representing the Pontifical Mission Societies at the Diocesan level, commended the movement leaders for demonstrating their faith during the three-day retreat and thanked the bishop for his presence at the conclusion of the retreat.
Miss Annociata Atwiine, the Yuda Thaddeus leader at Kitagwenda Parish, the parish responsible for organizing the event, expressed her gratitude for the success of today’s pilgrimage. She attributed the achievement to the strong support from Parish Priest Fr. Joseph Amanyire Bikongotero, Fr. Barikurungi, the parishioners, and the Yuda Thaddeus leaders at the diocesan level.
