UGANDA: Archbishop of Tororo warns against Bad Family Practices
Bishops leads the procession ahead of the Mass
The Archbishop of Tororo Archdiocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Obbo has warned pilgrims against bad practices in the families today urging them to emulate the Uganda Martyrs. Archbishop Obbo said the family today is characterized by signs of man’s refusal to abide by God’s commandment of love.
“Today we experience negative signs of degradation disturbing fundamental values in our families: domestic violence which may end up in murders; lack of tolerance and love; the growing numbers of divorces; the scourge of abortion; search for quick money, devil worship under the disguise of freedom of worship, sex deviations, lies, corruption, human trafficking, discriminations especially against the poor, the week and the under privileged, and so forth,” he said.
The prelate made the remarks in his Homily while addressing millions of pilgrims during the 2018 Uganda Martyrs Day celebration at Namugongo Catholic Shrine on 3rd, June, 2018.
Archbishop Obbo challenged the pilgrims to denounce bad practices and imitate the Uganda Martyrs who are revered for their faith, courage and their countercultural witness to Christ.
“Their sacrifice was the seed that helped to draw Uganda and all Africa to Christ,” he said adding “Such convincing Faith should inculcate in us the courage to challenge the bad practices in our families today.”
The Archbishop further urged the faithful to witness Christ in every family which is the first school in every nation. “The Martyrs we are honouring came from families and some of them were family heads. There is no doubt therefore that their Martyrdom had an impact on their families.”
The 2018 UMD celebration was animated by Tororo Archdiocese under the theme: “Let Us Walk in the Light of God as a Family” (1 John 1:5-10). Several bishops and priests from Uganda and other countries took part in the Eucharistic celebration.
arrive for the celebration at Namugongo
Catholic Shrine
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, who was the chief guest, his wife, Janet Museveni, the Vice President of Uganda, His Excellency Edward Ssekandi and former First Lady of Tanzania, Mama Maria Magige Nyerere, wife of the late President Julius Nyerere were some of the dignitaries that celebrated the event.
President Museveni in his speech apologized for coming late, and applauded the security forces for maintaining law and order at the Shrine despite the huge turnout.
Over four million pilgrims took part in the 2018 Martyrs Day celebration which marked 132 years of the Martyrs martyrdom. It was a unique celebration as it was celebrated alongside the centenary (100 years) celebration of the martyrdom of the two Catechists from Paimol: Blessed Daudi Okello and Blessed Jildo Irwa who were killed in 1918. The two Blessed Martyrs are usually commemorated on October 18 but they were remembered in a special way on 3rd, June.
The 3rd, June, celebration usually marks the commemoration of the heroic faith of the Martyrs, both Catholics and Protestants, who were burnt to death on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, the then king of Buganda between 1885 and 1887, for refusing to denounce their faith.
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By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference
