UGANDA: Christians Encouraged to Develop Interest, Learn More About Martyr’s Lives
Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki of Fort Portal
Masereka Peter
The Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Association (MEPA) has yesterday commemorated 60th anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs with its annual pilgrimage to the Catholic Shrine at Namugongo with call on Christians to seek for the intercession of the martyrs of Uganda.
The 2024 MEPA pilgrimage, which drew over 5,000 pilgrims, was led by the Diocese of Fort Portal and attended by four bishops from the ecclesiastical province of Mbarara: Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki of Fort Portal, Bishop Callisto Rubaramira of Kabale, Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale of Kasese, and Bishop Vincent Kirabo of Hoima. Also present was Msgr. Ndugwa Severinus, Vicar General of Mbarara Archdiocese representing Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha in a Mass that was beautifully animated by the Kampala Entebbe Jinja Fort Portal Diocese Association KEJI-FODA.
In his homily, Bishop Muhiirwa reflected on the theme of the day: Our faith in Christ Gives Us Victory in the World, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in faith, drawing inspiration from the courage of the Jewish woman and her seven children in the first reading, who refused to eat pork despite the threat of death. He compared their unwavering commitment to the Uganda Martyrs, who chose death over renouncing their faith.
The Bishop asks Christians to confront injustice urged Christians to pray for the intercession and inspirations of the Holy Martyrs of Uganda so as to practice virtues of Catholicism and stick to the truth and love that Christ teaches them about, encouraging Christians to learn more from the Uganda Martyrs, argued believers in Christ against pride, anger, laziness in faith and failure to share and respect others of who they are for peace.
He says the young Martyrs especially St. Mugaga, St. Kizito and St. Gavira, were models of faith that the young people especially students ought to learn from.
Bishop Muhiirwa has called on Ugandans to deepen their knowledge of the history of the Uganda Martyrs and emulate their virtues to lead more meaningful lives. He also encouraged the faithful to pray for guidance and strength through the intercession of various martyrs.
He further highlighted the example of St. Joseph Balikudembe, who confronted the Kabaka over a murder issue, urging Christians to have the courage to stand up against injustices such as corruption through his intercession. He also recommended St. Andrea Kaahwa, who was falsely accused of theft, to intercede for catechists, teachers, and the ending of the current escalating vice of domestic violence.
The Fort Portal Local Ordinary further encouraged the congregation to seek the intercession of St. Athanasius Bazekuketta for integrity in financial positions, and St. Bruno Serunkuma for the conversion of those struggling with excessive drinking, not forgetting the three young Martyr’s Sts Kizito, Gyavira and Mugaga who desisted from Kabaka ‘s homosexual advances for their faith.
According to the chairperson of the Organizing Committee for MEPA Pilgrimage 2024 Mr Yuda Tadeo Kaawha, the function’s budget was fully covered with genuine contributions from parishes, MEPA Dioceses, and organizations like Centenary Bank.
Retired Colonel Tom Butime, the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities who represented Rt. Hon. Robina Nabanja, the Ugandan Premier and Chief Guest, announced a cabinet resolution that celebrations of Uganda Martyrs each year, shall be held under his ministry.
Next year’s MEPA pilgrimage, will be animated by the Kasese Catholic Diocese. END
