Rosaries finally arrive

By Hilary Bainemigisha

THE long-awaited rosaries from the Vatican have finally arrived at Vision Group offices.

They were yet to be handed over to New Vision circulation manager, Joseph Lwanga by Fr. Joseph Ssebunnya, the Chancellor of Kampala Archbishop Cyprian Lwanga.

“These rosaries come with them a special blessing from Pope Francis. I am sure they are ready to bestow blessings, fortunes, protection and spiritual satisfaction to a Ugandan who values their worth,” Lwanga says.

Vision Group is fundraising for the reconstruction of the Namugongo shrine and the papal visit on November 27.

It started with the Papal Walk which raised slightly more than sh160m. Now, Vision Group is selling special limited edition rosaries at sh100,000 each. The rosaries were imported from Rome.

The Archbishop contacted an Italian company, Soprani SRL on Via del Mascherino in Rome to make 100,000 rosaries in September.

The Italian company is known for the manufacture of sacred and religious articles throughout Rome and the rest of the world.

Deacon John Mary Kibirige of Gayaza, who is a student in Rome, was put in charge of following-up the manufacturing process at Soprani until last month, when the rosaries were handed over to the Vatican administration for the papal blessing.

They were received back on October 26 and 28. Kibirige handed them over to Aramex Limited, an international firm with operations in Italy and the Vatican, which transported, cleared and forwarded them up to Entebbe Airport.

“There were a few logistical issues here and there that delayed the dispatch, arrival and clearance,” said the CEO of Vision Group, Robert Kabushenga, who was aboard a flight to South Africa.

“I hoped to have them by the Saturday of our Papal Walk (October 31). But that history does not help us. Thank God they are here with us now.” Vision Group circulation manager, Lwanga, was excited by the rosaries.

“I am happy to announce that the long-awaited rosaries are finally with us at the New Vision offices,” he said.

“The rosaries will be available only at Vision Group offices. We are now going to deliver to those who already paid. We are setting up a tent here where staff will be available full time to verify receipts and give people their rosaries.”

Those who are upcountry will receive the rosaries from Vision Group branch offices.

“While we are trying our best to do this for God, we know that there are people who will try to duplicate the rosaries to fleece Ugandans and steal the church money. That is why we are doing controlled sales. The only genuine rosary will be the one you buy from our offices. You can only pay at our offices in Kampala, Arua, Mbarara, Lira and Soroti or in the bank or via telephone. Selected agents at Vision outlets will also receive the money and receipt it. Once we receive your money, we shall deliver the rosary.”

To pay through the bank, go to Stanbic Bank Uganda and pay in the name of New Vision Printing and Publishing Company Limited, Account Number: 9030005950421. Swift code: SBICUGKX, Sort code: 040147 and Branch: City branch. Write ‘Rosary’.

 You can also pay through MTN. Go to the MTN menu: Mobile money: Pay bill: Goods and services: Code…….(here input NV3 — capital letters): Amount: Reference (name of the customer – rosary): PIN: Confi rmation of transaction.

For Airtel, type *185# and you will get the menu. Select PAY BILL and you will be given options. Select OTHERS and enter business number as 600006. Then enter amount and you will be asked reasons for payment. Type NEWVISION and you will get a summary of your payments, confirm and enter your PIN.