Hundreds of the faithful from Lugazi diocese and the surrounding areas converged at Bulimu the Birth place of Saint Ponsiano Ngondwe in Mukono district to take the annual pilgrimage.
Saint Ponsiano Ngondwe is one of the 22 Uganda Martyrs who was martyred on 26th May 1886 at Takajunge in Munyonyo now Makindye division in Kampala District on the orders of King Mwanga then.
The pilgrimage held on 10th November 2024, started on Thursday 08th November 2024 with a tridium, a three day special prayer led by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal to help people renew their faith, self examination and understanding of their faith.
The chief Pilgrim was the Ordinary of Lugazi diocese Rt. Rev. Christopher Kakooza who expressed gratitude for the high turn up saying they have set foot for the pilgrimage to Namugongo as the animating diocese for the 3rd June 2025 Uganda Martyrs day celebrations at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo.
Bishop Kakooza said the zeal and dedication to faith in the diocese is seen through the Catholic Institutions and other activities executed by the Priests, Religious, Catechists and Lay faithful fulfilling the mission of evangelization of the people.
This is evident in the 33 parishes of the diocese, 4 Referral hospitals, 11 health center IV’s, 240 primary schools and 24 secondary schools, a Nursing training institute located at Nyenga, Nyenga Seminary and a technical institute.
Bishop Kakooza also reminded the congregation that the year 2025 is a Jubilee year in the Catholic Church world over that is celebrated every after 25 years and Pope Francis blessed and dedicated this year for Mercy and prayer for peace in the world. Each ordinary in his home diocese will open a door of the Cathedral for the faithful to receive God’s mercy.
The Theme of the Jubilee year is: “Pilgrims of Hope Isaiah 7”.
Meanwhile Vicar General Msgr. Dr. Richard Kayondo said they sent out receipt books to solicit for funds for Namugongo in all the 33 parishes which should be returned to the diocesan treasury immediately for evaluation of response.
He also made mention of the 500 member choir that is to sing at Namugongo saying selections are still on going to get the best out of the best for the day on June 3rd 2025.
Lugazi diocese the animating diocese for the Uganda Martyrs day celebrations instituted a steering committee that was commissioned in February this year by the Ordinary of Lugazi diocese Rt. Rev. Christopher Kakooza who is also the over seer assisted by the Vicar General Msgr. Dr. Richard Kayondo and Fr. Dr. Godfrey Mboowa the Pastoral Coordinator.
They are guided by the theme; Oh Lord Let Me See Again.
Lugazi diocese has not yet revealed its budget for Namungogo however this years animating diocese for Namungongo that is Nebbi Catholic Diocese at least solicited for Shs 1.7bn that was used to facilitate all the activities for the Uganda Martyrs day celebrations.
By Jjunju Francis
11th Nov. 2024
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