UGANDA: Lira Diocese Foot Pilgrims Recommence Holy Pilgrimage to Namugongo Shrine
Foot pilgrims from Lira Diocese on the journey to the Martyrs Shrine Namugongo
Deacon Isaac Ojok
The annual holy pilgrimage to Namugongo Catholic Martyrs shrine in Uganda has resumed in high gear after nearly two years of lock down dictated by the Coronavirus pandemic commonly known as Covid-19.
Previously before the outbreak of Covid-19, Christians in Uganda and around the world used to make annual pilgrimage to Namugongo Martyrs shrine to pray for their various intentions to the Martyrs of Uganda yearly on the 3rd June.
As a result of the pandemic, government of Uganda in consultation with the Ministry of Health banned all public gatherings in Churches and Mosques and other places as one of the Standard operating Procedures-(SoPs) to prevent the further spread of the deadly Corona virus.
After a lift on the lockdown amidst strict observance of the SoPs, government has allowed gatherings in places of worship, the move that has enabled the Catholic Church in Uganda to organize prayers at Namugongo this year 2022 where Christians will attend in big numbers.
This year, Fort Portal Diocese shall animate the Liturgy on Martyrs day at Namugongo and the preparations are ongoing in high gear.
Pilgrims from Fort Portal the Diocese that is charged with responsibilities to organized and animate the liturgy for this year’s celebrations and other Dioceses in Uganda, have started the pilgrimage to Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.
In Lira Diocese, about 630-foot pilgrims on Monday 16th/5/2022 started their pilgrimage, a journey of 380 Kms to be covered before reaching Namugongo Martyrs Shrines in Kampala.
Among the foot pilgrims, is a 10-year old young girl in the company of her grandmother who said she has chosen to trek to Namugongo to pray for the gift of wisdom from God through the intercession of the holy Martyrs.
The young girl, a Primary School Grade 4 pupil, further disclosed that she is also praying to God to offer healing in her family to people with various body illnesses.
The pilgrims are expected to spend a total of 14 days on a prayerful and meditative journey in view of reaching Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.
The journey of the pilgrims is being marked by prayers like the recitation of the Holy Rosary the celebrations of the Eucharist and other forms of prayers to strengthen them spiritually.
Similarly, as they meet people on their way, they are being received and accorded affectionate hospitality as well as getting support in the forms of meals by other Christians and the people of good will.
Mr. Okello Alfred Jacinta one of the leaders guiding the pilgrims, revealed that the pilgrims who are on the journey to Namugongo have various prayer intentions to God through the intercession of the holy Martyrs of Uganda.
He further told AMECEA news that through various forms of prayers being held at different points one at a time, some pilgrims have started receiving healing and deliverance from God.
With spontaneous prayers being held, Mr. Okello is grateful and optimistic that they are going to finish the journey since their pilgrimage has been entrusted to the watchful care and the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
Meanwhile, pilgrims from other Dioceses in Uganda including the dignitaries from other countries are expected to grace the occasion at the Shrine on the 3rd June 2022.
The theme for this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations is, “Baptized and sent to witness Christ with Love and Hope”.
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