UGANDA: Catholic Bishops of Uganda Invite Pope Francis to Uganda Martyrs’ Jubilee
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| Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo |
The
Catholic Bishops of Uganda have invited the Holy Father to the
celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Canonization of the Uganda Martyrs scheduled to take place at Namugongo
Shrine in Uganda on 18th October, 2014 .
The
Holy Father has been officially invited by the Catholic Bishops of Uganda through
a letter written by the president of the conference, Archbishop John Baptist
Odama, Archbishop of Gulu. The letter was delivered to the Holy Father on 21st
September 2013 by His Grace Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga Archbishop of Kampala. According
to Archbishop Lwanga, the Pope promised to look at his schedule and respond
accordingly.
Holy Father has been officially invited by the Catholic Bishops of Uganda through
a letter written by the president of the conference, Archbishop John Baptist
Odama, Archbishop of Gulu. The letter was delivered to the Holy Father on 21st
September 2013 by His Grace Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga Archbishop of Kampala. According
to Archbishop Lwanga, the Pope promised to look at his schedule and respond
accordingly.
However, speaking
to AMECEA Online News on phone from
Kampala, the Secretary General to the Bishops’ Conference Msgr. John Baptist
Kauta expressed caution saying, “The
Holy Father has not yet confirmed whether or not he will come. Secondly the Ugandan
Government has not given the Conference permission to have the Holy Father come;
though we have written to the government and are still awaiting response; the
president of Uganda has neither said yes or no. The issue is very sensitive
because protocol must be observed.”
to AMECEA Online News on phone from
Kampala, the Secretary General to the Bishops’ Conference Msgr. John Baptist
Kauta expressed caution saying, “The
Holy Father has not yet confirmed whether or not he will come. Secondly the Ugandan
Government has not given the Conference permission to have the Holy Father come;
though we have written to the government and are still awaiting response; the
president of Uganda has neither said yes or no. The issue is very sensitive
because protocol must be observed.”
Msgr.
Kauta clarified that the Archdiocese of Kampala which launched its preparations
to mark 50 years since Pope Paul VI canonized the 22 Catholic Uganda Martyrs
did so on account that the place of Uganda Martyrs (Namugongo) is under Kampala
Archdiocese. “As a conference, we are yet to engage in preparatory activities
to celebrate the 50 years of canonization although the conference is ready for
the usual celebrations on 3rd June, which is the Uganda Martyrs Day,”
Msgr. Kauta said.
Kauta clarified that the Archdiocese of Kampala which launched its preparations
to mark 50 years since Pope Paul VI canonized the 22 Catholic Uganda Martyrs
did so on account that the place of Uganda Martyrs (Namugongo) is under Kampala
Archdiocese. “As a conference, we are yet to engage in preparatory activities
to celebrate the 50 years of canonization although the conference is ready for
the usual celebrations on 3rd June, which is the Uganda Martyrs Day,”
Msgr. Kauta said.
“Should
the Holy Father honor the invitation and come for the Jubilee celebration, it
will be a great honor to our country, it will enhance the faith of our
Christians, the Martyrs will be known more and our country Uganda will be
honored. However let us all wait for the Holy Father to speak,” Msgr. Kauta
said adding that it is important that we all be patient and hold on until the
Holy Father confirms whether he will be coming or not.
the Holy Father honor the invitation and come for the Jubilee celebration, it
will be a great honor to our country, it will enhance the faith of our
Christians, the Martyrs will be known more and our country Uganda will be
honored. However let us all wait for the Holy Father to speak,” Msgr. Kauta
said adding that it is important that we all be patient and hold on until the
Holy Father confirms whether he will be coming or not.
The
martyrs were declared saints at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on October 18,
1964, which was also Mission Sunday.
martyrs were declared saints at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on October 18,
1964, which was also Mission Sunday.
The
preparation’s launch by the Archdiocese of Kampala was preceded by a two day congress
held at the Sacred Heart of Mary Cathedral, Lubaga, with the theme, “You will
be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
preparation’s launch by the Archdiocese of Kampala was preceded by a two day congress
held at the Sacred Heart of Mary Cathedral, Lubaga, with the theme, “You will
be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
Referring
to the Book of Leviticus chapter 25, the Archbishop explained the origin and
purpose of jubilee celebrations. When God created the universe, He rested on
the seventh day. Hence, the seventh day for the Jews became the Sabbath, a day
of rest and prayer. The people of Israel celebrated the seventh year as a
Sabbath year dedicated to the Lord. After seven Sabbath years- seven times
seven years which is forty nine years, a trumpet/horn was sounded throughout
the land to announce the Year of Jubilee, the fiftieth year.
to the Book of Leviticus chapter 25, the Archbishop explained the origin and
purpose of jubilee celebrations. When God created the universe, He rested on
the seventh day. Hence, the seventh day for the Jews became the Sabbath, a day
of rest and prayer. The people of Israel celebrated the seventh year as a
Sabbath year dedicated to the Lord. After seven Sabbath years- seven times
seven years which is forty nine years, a trumpet/horn was sounded throughout
the land to announce the Year of Jubilee, the fiftieth year.
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| Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga |
Kampala
Archbishop, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, launched the preparations when he lit a
torch and then blew a traditional Kiganda horn (Kkondeere) to declare the start
of the activities that are scheduled to conclude on October 18, 2014, which will
be the climax of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Canonization of the Uganda
Martyrs.
Archbishop, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, launched the preparations when he lit a
torch and then blew a traditional Kiganda horn (Kkondeere) to declare the start
of the activities that are scheduled to conclude on October 18, 2014, which will
be the climax of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Canonization of the Uganda
Martyrs.
Source: AMECEA Social
Communications and UEC
Communications and UEC
