Catholic Bishops in Uganda are set to embark on a week-long retreat starting tomorrow, during which they will intentionally address various issues, including praying for both the church and the country.
This was revealed by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala and Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa of Kiyinda Mityana Diocese, who also serves as the head of the Uganda Catholic Episcopal Conference (UCEC).
These two senior prelates made the announcement during the celebrations marking 145 years since the arrival of the first Catholic Missionaries, Fr. Lourdel (aka Mapeera) and Bro. Amans at Kiguungu – Entebbe on February 17th, 1879. Thousands of faithfuls gathered to commemorate the “Mapeera Day.”
The event also signified the commencement of celebrations honoring the sixty years since the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs on October 18th, 1964. Buyege Parish from Entebbe deanery led the liturgy to commemorate the day.
Bishop Ssemogere, the main celebrant at the function, urged Christians not to expect to find the bishops in their offices starting Monday as they will be on retreat. He, along with Bishop Zziwa, requested the faithful to pray for their leaders during the retreat, as they will also pray for them.
The event was graced by retired Papal Nuncio Bishop Augustine Kasujja, who made remarks about the relics of saints Charles Lwanga and Matia Mulumba, brought to the function in two small boxes.
During his sermon, Bp. Ssemogerere conveyed warm greetings from Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, who, at 97 years old, is in good health and praying for them and the Church.
He commended the Buganda kingdom and numerous families and individuals for their generosity in donating land in various areas where the Church has undertaken different developments, including missions, schools, and hospitals.
Bishop Ssemogerere reminded the congregation that Lubaga Cathedral sits on a hill that was once a palace but was donated by late Kabaka Muteesa to the missionaries.
However, he expressed dismay that descendants of some families who donated land have been grabbing and selling it off. He challenged every Christian to reflect on what they have done to further the mission of evangelization initiated in Uganda by the missionaries. Echoing the papal message of 1966, Bp. Ssemogerere emphasized the need for Africans to become missionaries themselves, even evangelizing the nations of Europe, where the first missionaries to Africa hailed from, due to the decline of faith there.
The Bishop also extended congratulations to students and schools that performed well in their final examinations, the results of which were recently released.
He lamented the prevailing societal ills in Uganda, including theft, dishonesty, and corruption, and urged Christians to pray through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs.
Bishop Zziwa announced that Nebbi Diocese would lead this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3rd at Namugongo. He urged the faithful to pray for Uganda and countries where Christianity is fading.
Comments are closed.