Msgr Kalumba asks Catholics to emulate pioneer missionaries

PIC: Fr-Nnyombi, Msgr Kalumba and Fr. Ddamba lead the Christians in prayer infront of the statue of Mother Mary. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

LIVING BY EXAMPLE

The parish-priest of Christ the King Church, Kampala, Msgr Gerald Kalumba, has asked Catholics to carry on the faith and devotion of the pioneer missionaries, Fr Simeon Lourdel Mapeera and Bro Delmas Amans, who brought the Catholic faith to Uganda on February 17, 1879.

He said Mapeera and Amans, who were French clerics of the missionary society of White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa), listened to the voice of God and obeyed Him when he sent them to bring the transforming gospel of Jesus to Uganda. He called on the Christians to live out the values of the faith that the missionaries brought.

 "Our fathers in the faith brought us the light of Christ. We are supposed to keep up this light by living an exemplary Christian life, which inspires other people in our communities. Let us also develop our love and devotion to Mother Mary, to whom the missionaries dedicated our beloved country, Uganda."

Msgr Kalumba was presiding over the Eucharistic celebration for the closure of the memorial novena and dedication of Uganda to Mother Mary by the White Fathers.  The function took place at Mapeera-Nabunnya Pilgrimage Centre, Rubaga.

According to records from the archives of the White Fathers, the pioneer missionaries said their first mass at Mapeera-Nabulagala, in Rubaga Division (the current location of St John the Baptist Mapeera-Nabulagala Catholic parish) on June 25, 1879. They dedicate Uganda to Mother Mary and then began a Marian Novena, which is now commemorated annually (further to the first mass on June 25).

PIC: A cross section of Catholics during the Eucharist celebration

The mass was also concelebrated by Fr Richard Nnyombi, a senior member of the Missionary Society of White Fathers, who asked the Christians to pray and give financial support toward the process of the cause for the beatification of Fr Mapeera and Bro Amans, the diocesan phase of which is expected to be concluded this year.

Sr Mary Komugisha, a promoter of the cause for the beatification of Fr Mapeera and Bro Amans asked Christians to do more to popularise the two missionaries, to love them and also, to pray through their intercession.

PIC: Some of the Christians who turned up for the mass 

PIC: Religious Novices from the congregation of the Good Samaritan Sisters of Nalukolongo carry the statue of Mother Mary during the procession to the grotto

PIC: Sr. Komugisha delivers her speech