Mbarara province Catholics pilgrimage to Namugongo
The Mass was led by Fort-Portal bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki who decried the rampant misconduct in the society depicted through domestic violence, greed, corruption, drug abuse, excessive drinking and sexual immorality, among others.
Bishop of Fort-Portal Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki celebrating the Mass during the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Association (MEPA) celebration at Namugongo on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photos by Juliet Anna Lukwago)
NewVision Reporter
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Hundreds of Christians from Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Association (MEPA) have attended their annual mass and pilgrimage to the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine - Namugongo in Wakiso district.
The Fort-Portal Catholic Diocese animated this year’s Mass on Sunday, November 10, 2024.
MEPA is made up of five dioceses: Kabale, Kasese, Fort-Portal, Hoima and Mbarara, the seat of the archdiocese.
The Mass was led by Fort-Portal bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki who decried the rampant misconduct in the society depicted through domestic violence, greed, corruption, drug abuse, excessive drinking and sexual immorality, among others.
He said that “to be a martyr doesn’t only necessitate dying by the sword or fire, but amidst all troubles, daily life challenges and activities at our homes, places of work, schools and society. We must challenge attitudes and behaviours that are not right to stand for the truth as we emulate the Uganda Martyrs".
Some of the Christians attending the Mass during the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Association (MEPA) celebration at Namugongo on Sunday, November 10, 2024.
Muhiirwa, who warned Christians against corruption and called on the faithful to live true Christian values of honesty, was assisted by Hoima Diocese bishop Vincent Kirabo, Francis Aquirinus Kibira of Kasese, Callist Rubaramira of Kabale, Vicar General of Hoima Msgr Robert Mugisa and several priests.
MEPA chairperson Dr Patrick Birungi thanked the faithful for turning up in big numbers.
Dignitaries
The annual MEPA dioceses' day of pilgrimage takes place every November. It was graced by several dignitaries led by Head of Laity Uganda Gervase Ndyanabo, Eswatini Consular to Uganda Quillino Bamwine, Religious men and women (Sisters and Brothers from different Congregations) and many others from western Uganda.