His Excellence Luigi Bianco encourages Ugandans to live life of the Martyrs’.

By Francis Jjunju

3^rd June 2023

The Pope Nuncio H.E. Luigi Bianco has reminded millions of pilgrims who made a pilgrimage this year that they represent the true identity of the foundation of the Catholic faith.

In his speech after the 3^rd June Uganda Martyrs’ day celebrations at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo Archbishop Bianco said the Uganda Martyrs’ who were canonised in 1964 by Saint Pope Paul VI gave Uganda a special identity in the world.

This culminated into the first visit of the Pope to Uganda Pope Paul VI in 1969, who also erected the foundation stone for the Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine which draws millions of pilgrims from across the world every 3^rd June.

He prayed that may the blood of the Uganda martyrs always transient in the lives of Ugandans.

Meanwhile the Archbishop of Kampala His Grace Paul Ssemogerere also acknowledged the spirit exhibited by the pilgrims walking in big numbers from near and far for the Martyrs’ day at Namugongo to pray through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs.

He prayed that may their needs be granted but also prayed that the country Uganda is protected from dangers and vices aimed at killing the human dignity and family.

He said Uganda Episcopal Conference decided to start a higher institution of learning, the Uganda Martyrs’ university which is celebrating 30 years in memory of the contribution of the Uganda Martyrs in education and next year it will be 60 years since they were canonised.

Archbishop Ssemogerere hailed the animating diocese for the work well done and the Shrine Director Fr. Vincent Lubega and his team for keeping Namugongo Catholic Shrine neat.