MARTYRS DAY: Over 700 pilgrims to foot from Nebbi to Namugongo
The day, marked on 3 June every year since the 1920s, is therefore a pivotal celebration in the life and history of Christianity in Uganda.
Over 700 pilgrims from 20 Catholic parishes in Nebbi Diocese are preparing to embark on their journey, footing from Nebbi district to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo on May 15, 2024.
Martyrs’ Day in Uganda commemorates the bold decision of some early converts to Christianity to give up their lives for the sake of the gospel.
The day, marked on 3 June every year since the 1920s, is therefore a pivotal celebration in the life and history of Christianity in Uganda.
Each year, Christians from various backgrounds undertake a pilgrimage to Namugongo to honour the memory of 45 Christian converts including 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans, who were martyred between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga.
Reports from URN indicate that Fr. Joseph Luger, who heads the publicity and information committee, stated that “the pilgrims would commence their journey after receiving blessings from the diocesan administrator and the newly appointed Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, at 10:00 am.
He indicated that pilgrims will set off for the approximately 450-kilometre-long journey to Namugongo, from Uganda Martyrs Chapel, Namrwodho-Nebbi Cathedral Parish.
“Pakwach Catholic parish has the highest number of foot pilgrims 184, followed by Nebbi Cathedral Parish with 110, Zombo Catholic Parish with 87, Erussi Catholic Parish with 77, and others.” Said Fr Luger.
Meanwhile, Father Luger urged pilgrims to courageously bear the challenges throughout their journey, with the help of the Holy Spirit who will bless them with hope, energy, love, and faith.
Nebbi Catholic Diocese, now 21 years old, was part of the then Gulu Apostolic Vicariate which started in 1923.
The Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo will open for pilgrims to traverse its vast expanse on May 25. Millions of pilgrims are expected at both the Namugongo and Nakiyanja shrines during Martyrs Day celebrations.
Meanwhile, Fr Nerris Oyirwoth, a member of the organizing committee, revealed that besides the foot pilgrims, a total of 2,102 other pilgrims from the diocese are expected to attend this year’s celebrations at Namugongo.
This year’s occasion is to be animated by the Nebbi Catholic Diocese under the theme “for me, and my household we shall serve the Lord,” taken from Joshua 24:15.
