Ugandans have ushered in the New Year 2025 in prayer for God’s providence and support over any challenge.
Many Christians jammed prayer centres to witness God’s love and blessings from the year ended 2024 and welcome 2025.
The Pope Nuncio Emeritus Archbishop Augustine Kasujja led the congregation at the newly constructed Youth Encounter Christ YES Centre Nsambya where he prayed for Peace and Reconciliation in Uganda and the World in the New Year 2025.
In his homily that started around 10pm Archbishop Kasujja called for God’s choicest blessings to all to have peace at heart and for others, courage for what has challenged them and hope to overcome them in the New Year.
In the year ended 2024, Archbishop Kasujja noted with gratitude the high number of celebrated sacraments among them Holy Matrimony, holy Eucharist, and confirmation, ordinations and Jubilees.
He also condoled with those who have lost their beloved ones in road accidents, diseases, natural disasters and natural death in the last year that may they be received in God’s Kingdom and those in prison to receive God’s mercy.
Archbishop Kasujja also prayed for respect to the women in Uganda especially the expectant mothers to receive good medical services.
Archbishop Kasujja also re-echoed Pope Francis’ message on the 1st of January 2025 a day of peace for the world to give Youth Chance to exercise their potential.
He said there is need to fight the selfish spirit that has left the youth exploited killing their hope and energy. This has left them with nothing from their studies, no jobs and courage in politics and leadership among other opportunities.
He prayed that let the New Year help every Ugandan undertake self reflection against greed and selfishness that is killing the spirit of brotherhood.
Pope Paul VI inspired by the encyclical Pacem in Terris of Pope John XXIII and his own encyclical Populorum Progressio established the World Day of Peace in 1967. The day was first observed on 1 January 1968. And this year 2025 Pope Francis prays for forgiveness.
The mass ended 10 minutes to the midnight and at exactly midnight fireworks were displayed for five minutes that threw the congregation into joy.
By Jjunju Francis
01st Jan 2025
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