UGANDA: Let Us Not Be Play Double Standards, says Bishop Muhirwa to Namugongo Pilgrims
Deacon Isaac Ojok
Thousands of pilgrims from across the globe on Friday 3rd June 2022 thronged Namugongo Catholic Martyrs shrine to honour the Uganda Martyrs who were killed on account of their faith.
The pilgrims drawn from all the 19 Catholic Diocese in Uganda and those from other countries all joined in the prayers through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs.
Among those were the international pilgrims drawn from the countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Nigeria among other pilgrims.
This year, Fort Portal Diocese animated the liturgy at Namugongo Shrine after almost close to two years when gatherings in places of worship were prohibited because of Corona virus pandemic.
In his homily during the Eucharistic celebration at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine today Rt. Rev Robert Muhirwa, the Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese said, “It is a pity that some people today still visit witch doctors in search of wealth. I pray that may the faith of the Holy Martyrs help them.”
He called on the congregation to change their way of life, turn away from witchcraft and embrace the Christian faith just as the Uganda Martyrs did.
The Bishop who is also the Vice Chairperson Uganda Episcopal Conference further revealed that today, our society is faced with many challenges citing the examples of incest, sexual abuses in schools perpetuated by teachers, sexual harassment in work places, and high prevalence of HIV AIDS among the people.
He went on to say that at the moment, the country is faced with high prices of commodities and others saying it can only be navigated through hard work, trust in the Lord just like the Holy Martyrs of Uganda.
Other challenges, according to Bishop is that the youth now are idle because of their involvement in misuse of drugs, and other substances but rather that they should embrace productive work to improve on their livelihoods.
Bishop Muhirwa further disclosed that the Lord is calling on all to repent and learn from the Uganda Martyrs who are our role models to day as Christians.
Some section of the pilgrims who attended the prayers at Namugongo today trekked for long distance hailing from their respective Dioceses/regions in the country.
Yearly the pilgrims who trek to Namugongo Shrine go with various intentions among which some go to seek for healing and deliverance from God through the intercession of the Martyrs.
This year, the pilgrims were also united in prayers for peace and comfort in their communities following the challenges being faced at the moment in their localities.
Also present today at the commemoration of the holy Martyrs of Uganda are the Cultural, Civil and the political leaders who turned up in big numbers to grace the occasion
Rt. Hon speaker of the National Parliament of Uganda Rt. Hon Anita Annet Among, Rt. Hon Prime Minister of Uganda Robina Nabanja, the Chief Justice Alphone Owiny Dolo, other distinguished guests among others also graced the occasion today.
The theme for this year’s Martyrs day celebrations at Namugongo is, “Baptized and sent to witness Christ with Love and Hope”.
The Ugandan Martyrs were killed in 1886 under the commands of Kabaka Muwanga of Buganda.
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