The Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) has directed Catholics in the country to observe Martyrs’ Day through mass and prayer services in their respective parishes and dioceses after the government postponed the national celebrations at Namugongo over Ebola concerns.
In pastoral guidance issued by its chairperson, Anthony Zziwa, the Uganda Episcopal Conference urged dioceses and parishes to hold decentralized commemorations led by local bishops while strictly observing Ministry of Health guidelines.
Rt. Rev. Anthony Zziwa, who also serves as Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, emphasized that despite the postponement of the national pilgrimage, the day remains significant for honoring the martyrs’ witness of faith and courage.
This local observance is consistent with the universal Catholic liturgical calendar, in which June 3 is marked annually in parishes worldwide as the Feast of the Uganda Martyrs.
On many other Catholic calendars, it is called the Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions. In Uganda, the national event at Namugongo serves as a special, large-scale pilgrimage that supplements the regular parish celebrations.
This year, the Diocese of Kasese has been given the responsibility of animating the national celebrations. The diocese had launched a major fundraising campaign targeting 4.5 billion shillings to handle logistics, pilgrim transport, accommodation, liturgical preparations, and coordination of thousands of faithful expected from across the country and beyond.
Significant contributions had already been received, including two billion shillings from the central government, as well as support from local authorities, corporate partners like MTN, and parishioners.
The postponement has affected what had become one of East Africa’s biggest religious gatherings, traditionally attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Many Catholics undertake long foot pilgrimages to Namugongo as acts of devotion and penance.
This year, planned groups had started matching to Namugongo, and many have been seen returning to their respective homes after the government announcement.
The 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican Uganda Martyrs were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II for refusing to abandon their Christian faith. Thirteen Catholics were burned alive at Namugongo on June 3, 1886.
Pope Paul VI canonized the Catholic martyrs in 1964. Meanwhile, the UEC urged the faithful to use the day for fervent prayer for the nation, for health workers, and for all affected by the Ebola outbreak.
The bishops further called on Catholics to remain calm, prayerful, united, and hopeful, living out the martyrs’ legacy of love, sacrifice, truth and fidelity to God.
SOURCE: URN
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