By Jacinta W. Odongo
Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo, the Bishop of Hoima have asked all Catholic faithful in Uganda to observe a special novena to the Martyrs from May 25, 2017.
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| Bishop Kirabo addresses members of the Press during the press conference at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat |
(A novena is a public or a private prayer recited for nine consecutive days made in preparation of feast or for special graces. One can choose to recite it publically gathered together as a community and family or privately as an individual.)
The novena, will conclude on June 2, just a day prior before the actual celebration due June 3 to pay homage to the Martyrs, both Catholic and Anglican, who were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, the then King of Buganda between 1885 and 1887, for converting to Christianity.
The Catholic Church honors those who exhibit such courage, devotion and selfless sacrifice for their faith as heroes, models of faith who intercede for the living before God.
Twenty two Catholic Martyrs were canonized as saints on October 18, 1964 by Pope Paul VI. In addition to the Catholic Martyrs, there are two catechists from Paimol: Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa who were killed in 1918. The two catechists were beatified by John Paul II on October 20, 2002.
According to the organizers for the 2017 Martyrs Day celebration, May 25 is a very special day because the Martyrdom of the Martyrs by Kabaka Mwanga II was decided on this date.
The Diocese of Hoima will lead the 2017 Uganda Martyrs day celebration under the theme, “Stand Firm in Faith That We Have Been Taught” (Colossians 2:7).
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