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| Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli, Bishop of Lira and Main Celebrant |
Over two million pilgrims from across the globe flocked at the Namugongo Shrines in Kampala, Uganda on June 3, 2015, to celebrate the lives of Christian converts killed by the former Buganda King, Kabaka Mwanga II in the late 1880s.
The celebrations kicked-off in grand style with a procession of Archbishops, Bishops and Priests from different parts of the world. The Diocese of Lira led the liturgical celebration amid jubilation from the choir members who sang songs in Langi, Acholi, Luganda, and English. This year’s event was held under the theme ‘Called to be witnesses of Christ in the family and in the society’Acts 1:5.
The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev Joseph Franzelli presided at the Thanksgiving Mass that was concelebrated with the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, H.E. Most Rev. Michael August Blume, His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, Archbishops, Bishops and over 100 priests from within the country and outside.
In his homily, Bishop Franzelli told the Christians to stay away from evil vices and condemn corruption, domestic violence, revenge, abuse of political power, injustice and depriving citizens of their civic rights and freedom of expression.
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| H.E. Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala and H.E. Most Rev. Michael August Blume, Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda |
He added that faith should be lived through action and Christians must demonstrate good example to those around them including in families, at places of work, school, offices and even in government premises.
The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Blume reminded Christians to embrace word and action, led by the Holy Spirit. “All authentic Christian witness is martyrdom, for we pay a price, a dying to ourselves to let Christ be visible in our humanity,” he said.
While speaking on the event The President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Museveni as the Chief Guest said that believers ought to take up the mantle of showing good examples through their deeds.
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| Thousands of Pilgrims attended the Eucharistic Celebrations |
“I have been reading in the media about pilgrims who trek long distances to come to Namugongo commemorate Uganda Martyrs day. Pilgrims have been able to walk day and night to Namugongo without any insecurity incidents because of peace in all parts of the country. I would also like to encourage all Christians to lead by examples by working hard and staying healthy for better development,” he said.
President Museveni also pledged government’s continued support towards developing Namugongo.
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| Choir Members during the Eucharistic Celebrations |
Majority of the pilgrims hailed from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, Congo, Malawi, USA, France, Canada, Burundi, Angola, Nigeria, United Kingdom, India, Mauritius, Mali and Uganda among other countries. They arrived on foot while others used other means of transport including bicycle, buses, airplanes and boats.
Every June 3 Christians from across the world commemorate the martyrdom of the Uganda Martyrs, who were killed for converting to Christianity between the years 1885 and 1887. The 22 African Roman Catholic martyrs were collectively beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1920 and canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 18, 1964. Their feast day is June 3.
By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference