Cardinal Filoni consecrates Munyonyo shrine

MARTYRS | MUNYONYO

The Visiting Vatican Prelate, Fernando Cardinal Filoni has asked Catholics in Uganda to avoid paying lip service to their faith, but to put it in action.

He argued that Christianity was a way of life, which is why those who profess the faith have to be exemplary in all aspects of their lives.

"You should not succumb to the temptation of mediocrity and injustice. If it is a hospital, we expect to find there charity. Economies must also be seen to be people-centred, not money centred. In public life we there shouldn't be injustices, or violence. If you are a teacher, ensure that your students are motivated by the higher values of the gospel," said Cardinal Filoni.

He was delivering his homily during the thanksgiving mass for the dedication of Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Munyonyo, this morning (Saturday, October 28).

Cardinal Filoni asked Ugandans to emulate the good life and example of St Andrew Kaggwa and St Dennis Ssebuggwawo, the two Catholic martyrs who were killed at Munyonyo, who he said exhibited deep devotion and commitment to the Gospel, "to the extent of shedding their blood."

Filoni further asked the Christians to use the newly consecrated chapel to deepen their Christian faith. "The Church is a place of special blessings from God. Use it to worship God and also, to deepen your knowledge of the Holy Scriptures," the Cardinal said.

Cardinal Filoni, the Prefect of the Catholic Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, is in Uganda to preside over the 50th anniversary celebrations of Kampala Archdiocese (which will take place on Sunday).

The function was also graced by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Michael August Blume, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga and several other clerics.