UGANDA: Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine, a Center for Spontaneous Holy Pilgrimages
AMECEA correspondents at Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine recently
Fr. Isaac Ojok
3rd June every year is marked as Uganda Martyrs day, a day set to commemorate the lives of the holy Martyrs of Uganda who were killed on account of their faith on 3rd June 1886.
In Uganda, this day (3rd June) is held as a public holiday where pilgrims from Uganda and beyond gather at the Shrine to pray through the intercessions of Uganda Martyrs for their spiritual needs and benefits.
Prior to this day, Christians from the dioceses in Uganda do organize foot pilgrimages to Namugongo as part of their Spiritual preparations before the D-day.
During the short pilgrimage by AMECEA correspondents at the Shrine recently after successful conclusion of the mentorship workshop held in Entebbe-Uganda from 21st to 25th November 2022, many pilgrims could be observed making solemn entry to the Shrine to pray for their various intentions.
At the point of our entry to the Shrine, we found pilgrims from different regions participating in silent adoration and meditation in the Chapel.
Among them were the parents and their children, the youth and the elderly with the women who are the majority at the time of our visit to the Shrine including others in their various age groups.
Officer in charge pilgrims at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine who only introduced himself to us as Mr John said the center receives pilgrims from within Uganda and outside who visit the center for their spiritual nourishment daily.
While at the shrine, the pilgrims attend daily Eucharistic celebrations, adoration of the Holy Eucharist, Confession and other Spiritual exercises which are conducted at the Shrine.
Furthermore, pilgrims when they visit the Shrine, others choose to spend time in silent meditation upon the word of God while some take their time to reflect upon agony the Uganda Martyrs encountered in the face of their Martyrdom shown in the artistic impression designated at different points within the Shrine.
Similarly, when the pilgrims visit the Shrine, they use that moment as the opportunity for them to access Spiritual books containing different forms of prayers like the devotional Novena prayers, holy rosaries and other Sacred items which can help them to be in the mood of prayers.
Upon successful visit to the Shrine, it is said that a person will go back when he or she is fully transformed spiritually because of the conducive and favorable atmosphere suitable for prayers and silent meditation.
Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo is a potential religious center for tourism in the country like other religious Shrines similar to Munyonyo within Kampala Archdiocese and Paimol Martyrs Shrine in Gulu Arch Diocese-Northern Uganda a point where Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa were killed on account of their faith.
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