UGANDA: Thousands of Christians Throng as Feast Day of Blessed Ambrosoli is Celebrated in Gulu Archdiocese, Uganda
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church Kalongo, a church where Blessed Ambrosoli spent most of his life.
Fr Isaac Ojok
Thousands of Christians on Friday 28th July 2023 thronged at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Mission Kalongo in Uganda’s Gulu Archdiocese to celebrate the feast of Blessed Fr Dr Guiseppe Ambrosoli.
The first Liturgical celebration of the feast day was held under the theme, “God’s Servant to the Suffering People” was presided over by the Rt Rev Raphael Wokorach P, Mony MCCJ, the bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese.
In his homily while presiding over the event, Bishop Wokorach noted that celebrating the Feast of Blessed Ambrosoli is a joyful moment for the Christians and the people of God in Gulu Archdiocese and the church at large.
The bishop mentioned that the works of Blessed Ambrosoli have left a significant impact in the lives of the people not only in Kalongo where he spent his missionary life but even beyond Gulu Arch diocese.
Bishop Wokorach further disclosed that celebrating the life of blessed Ambrosoli is a moment of joy not only for those in Gulu Archdiocese but even for those who encountered his charity and love, all those who lived with him, like the Comboni family members and others.
The prelate went on to note that enormous work accomplished by Blessed Ambrosoli indicated God’s love, His redemptive work of salvation, amongst the people especially the sick and most vulnerable poor, adding that it is the reason why Blessed Ambrosoli chose to be the model of a servant of God among the suffering people.
According to Bishop Wokorach, the work of Blessed Ambrosoli gave hope in lives of many who got attracted to his works of charity to the people and that he did not restrict his love for only some particular group but treated every one with deep affection without any discrimination.
He then challenged the congregation to emulate the life of Blessed Ambrosoli whose work restored hope and brought healing in the lives of many people at the tough times of conflicts in the region.
Speaking at the climax of his homily, the bishop implored the congregation to pray fervently for the country Uganda to produce servant leaders like Blessed Ambrosoli in a move to bring healing in the country.
Bishop Wokorach was flanked by the Rt Rev Guiseppe Franzelli MCCJ, the Bishop Emeritus of Lira Diocese, priests, consecrated men and women. Others who attended the occasion were the civil, political and cultural leaders among other dignitaries.
Blessed Ambrosoli was beatified on 20th November 2022, the event was presided over by His Excellency Luigi Bianco, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Parish Kalongo in Uganda’s Gulu Archdiocese.
At the beatification, 28th July was designated as annual feast day of Blessed Ambrosoli.
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