Mbarara Archidioce marks annual pilgrimage
Nov 10, 2019
MEPA is umbrella body that brings together the dioceses of Hoima, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Kasese and Kabale .
CHURCH NEWS
Thousands throng Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine as Hoima Diocese animate Mbarara Archdiocese annual pilgrimage.
The annual pilgrimage is organized by Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Association (MEPA).
MEPA is the umbrella body that brings together the dioceses of Hoima, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Kasese, and Kabale. Hoima diocese was selected to animate this year's pilgrimage to Namugongo.
The annual pilgrimage is different from the Martyrs' day celebrations that take place at Martyrs' Shrines for both the Catholics and Anglicans on June 3 every year.
Matia Kasaija the Minister of Finance with Kalisa Kabagambe the Senior Presidential Advisor on Oil, Gas and mining after the annual pilgrimage of Mbarara Archidioce at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.
The Bishop of Hoima Diocese, Vicent Kirabo Amooti, disclosed; "We are here to thank God for the Uganda Martyrs. This is a happy day because the martyrs decided to follow Christ who died for us on the cross."
Kirabo was accompanied by bishops, Francis Acquinous Kibira (Kasese), Callist Rubaramira (Kabale), Robert Muhirwa (FortPortal), Auxilary Bishop of Mbarara diocese, Lambert Bainomugisha and a number of emeritus bishops.
The annual pilgrimage was attended by ministers, members of parliament and other leaders from the five dioceses of Western Uganda.
Gaverse Ndyanabo Head of Laity of the Catholic Church Uganda addressing a congregation at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine November 10, 2019.Photo by Wilfred Sanya
Matia Kasaija, the minister of finance, planning and economic development, used the occasion to urge religious leaders against blessing the faithful before speeches are done.
The minister disclosed that after the Christians receiving a blessing from the clergy, they immediately move away without listening to the speeches and yet they have content.
The head of catholic laity in Uganda, Gervase Ndyanabo, commended Hoima Diocese for successfully organizing and presiding over this year's pilgrimage.
Vincent Kirabo, the Bishop of Hoima diocese giving rosaries to children during the annual pilgrimage of Mbarara Archdiocese. This was at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.