Namugongo Martyrs shrine opens May 31

May 19, 2016

Last year Pope Francis celebrated mass at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo to mark the 50th anniversary of the canonisation of the Uganda Martyrs.

The Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo, will be open to the public effective May 31, when construction is scheduled to be complete.

This was disclosed on Wednesday at Kiyinda-Mityana diocese by Fr Lazarus Kiggundu, the chairman of the organising committee of this year's June 3 Martyrs day celebration.

The shrine has been closed to the public for the past five months, as construction that started in August last year by Kampala Archdiocese was being completed. Works were halted during the visit by Pope Francis in November last year.

"We are working together with the shrine committee and Kampala Archdiocese who reconstruction the shrine. Pilgrims from all over the world are welcome, as the gates to the premises will be open from May 31," Fr Kiggundu said.

He noted that there is ample access, with various entry and exit routes, unlike previously when it was limited. He noted that security has been boosted.

"The place is already in hands of the security and they will announce their arrangements as soon as they want it." He said.

 r azarus iggundu the chairman of ganda artyrs elebration hoto uliet ukwago Fr. Lazarus Kiggundu, the chairman of Uganda Martyrs Celebration. Photo/ Juliet Lukwago

 
He rallied people to attend in droves, particularly urging parents to attend with their children.

Kiggundu noted said from May 31, food vendors will be prohibited from selling goods inside the premises to avoid disturbing people reciting their prayers.   

He said special areas outside the places have been gazetted in consultation with Namugongo Parish committee and Kira town council.

Kiggundu cautioned those intending to draw water from the Martyrs Lake, noting that a special provision has been instituted, to avoid fatalities, as the lake is now deeper.

In the latest redesign, the open-air- pavilion that houses the altar, has been relocated to enable the pilgrims have a better view of the events.  The reconstruction of modern VIP pavilions enables the Christians from all corners able to see the main celebrant at the altar wherever they seated.

Last year Pope Francis celebrated mass at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo to mark the 50th anniversary of the canonisation of the Uganda Martyrs.

A total of 22 Catholic Martyrs were beatified on June 6, 1920, by Pope Benedict XV, and on October 18 1964, Pope Paul VI canonized them as saints.

 


The host diocese Kiyinda-Mityana is under Kampala Ecclesiastical Province and presently covers 25 parishes.

The first bishop was Emmanuel Wamala, now His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala. The Diocese comprises of the civil Districts of Mubende, Mityana, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi, and Gomba.

Four of the 22 martyrs who including St. Noa Mawaggali, St Matthias Mulumba, St Luke Baanabakintu and St Ambrose Kibuuka came from Singo County that embraces Kiyinda-Mityana.


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