The Holy Father, who arrived in Uganda on November 27 for an apostolic journey, mentioned his appreciation to the Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, just a few minutes before boarding his airplane Shepherd One.
“Before the Holy Father boarded the plane to travel to Central African Republic (CAR), he gave me the following message to deliver to you; “I thank the Bishops and the People of Uganda for welcoming me warmly and please pray for me,” Archbishop Odama, who is also the Archbishop of Gulu, spoke on behalf of the UEC in a press statement.
Pope Francis, who visited Uganda for three-days, was moved by the huge crowd that lined up along the road, right from Entebbe to Munyonyo in the evening of his arrival on 27th November 2015 and other places that he visited.
“He was so happy and moved to see so many people waving to him, chanting his name and yearning to shake his hand wherever he went. You truly touched the Holy Father’s heart and he is very grateful for your hospitality and love,” the statement read in part.
During his visit in the country Pope Francis visited Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo Shrine, a home for the destitute called Nalukolongo, Rubaga Cathedral and finally Kololo Airstrip where he held a historic meeting with the youths.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Odama also expressed his utmost appreciation to the Holy Father on behalf of the UEC and the Catholic Church in Uganda for his honoring visit and for blessing the nation with the gift of a new Bishop for Hoima Diocese, Rev. Vincent Kirabo.
He further thanked the Church Subcommittees that were headed by the Bishops, the Staff of Uganda Catholic Secretariat, the engineers, the constructors, the fundraising teams, various individuals, institutions and dioceses among other people that made contributions and participated in the preparations for the historic visit of the Holy Father.
“We are deeply grateful to all the people of Uganda for showing such great love to the Pope and we appreciate the Catholic faithful in Uganda, our brothers and sisters of the Church of Uganda and indeed all people of good will for the prayers, collaboration and support,” said Archbishop Odama.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Government of Uganda led by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the financial and logistical support.
“We commend the excellent work of the heads and staff of various governmental institutions who worked tirelessly to ensure that the visit of His Holiness was peaceful, orderly, and colourful,” read the statement in section.
The Archbishop concluded by calling upon everyone to continue praying for the Holy Father so that his message of love, unity, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace bears fruit in the country and indeed in the entire world.
“May our Blessed Mother Mary and the Holy Martyrs of Uganda always intercede for us, and may you have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year,” the statement concluded.
By Jacinta W. Odongo; Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference