Martyrs Day; Catechists, School Teachers make pilgrimage to Munyonyo

By Gideon Peter Ssebulime

26^th May 2023

Hundreds of Catechists and school teachers from across the country have made their pilgrimage to the Munyonyo Minor Basilica on Friday, seven days ahead of the June 3 annual Uganda Martyrs Day commemoration.

Munyonyo Minor Basilica is seated at the place where one of the Uganda Martyrs, St. Andrew Kaggwa who is also the patron saint of catechists and school teachers was killed.

Leading the Eucharistic celebration for the pilgrimage, the Bishop of Masaka Diocese Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba advised catechists and school teachers to employ their professional skills and energy to teach Christian faith in the families which is the foundation of the Catholic Church.

Bishop Jjumba noted that teachers and catechists must follow the footsteps of the Uganda martyrs by emulating Saint Andrew Kaggwa, a martyr who sacrificed his home to spread Christianity to others which earned him God’s glory.

Bishop Jjumba has cited Pope Francis’ statement made on his Apostolic Visit to Uganda in 2015 where he tipped Ugandans to promote the love of God regardless of any challenges, like the Uganda martyrs did.

Meanwhile, May 26 being the second day of the Uganda Martyrs’ 9 days of Novena, a Eucharistic celebration has been organized at the Catholic Basilica Namugongo to mark the day and by press time, the Pastoral Coordinator of Lugazi diocese Rev. Fr. Dr. Godfrey Mboowa was expected to lead the mass at 5pm.

A group of Musicians, Choristers, Hoteliers, Restaurants and Pub proprietors are prioritized to making pilgrimage at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo on Friday evening praying through the intercession of Saints Denis Ssebugwawo and Mukasa Kiriwawanvu for their needs.

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