The Family at the Center of Martyrs’ Day Celebrations

by Valerian K. Kkonde

PEARL NEWS SERVICE

L-R Msgr. John Baptist Kauta the Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo and Robert Kaminza the Tororo-Kampala Chapter Organising Committee Chairman. PNS Photo

His Grace the Archbishop of Tororo, Dr. Emmanuel Obbo has said that as the Archdiocese prepares to animate this year’s Martyrs’ Day Celebrations at Namugongo on 3^rd June, all the pastoral programmes have been centered on the family.

The Archbishop made the revelation on April 25, 2018 at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat in Nsambya during a Press Conference to update Ugandans and the world on the preparations for the Martyrs’ Day celebrations.

“The Martyrs whom we are honouring came from families and some of them were Family heads. There is no doubt therefore that their Martyrdom had an impact on their families.

“The family members must have shared in their pain but also benefited from the Faith which has been passed on to us.”

His Grace revealed that the pastoral programmes are being run along the sub-theme of “Merciful Parents, Peaceful Families.”

Tororo Archdiocese was chosen by the Uganda Episcopal Conference to organise and animate this year’s Martyrs’ celebrations and have chosen: “Let Us Walk in the Light of God as a Family” as the theme. It is extracted from 1 John 1:5-10.

“This theme ultimately focuses on the Family, also referred to as the domestic Church. It is the smallest unit of the human society in which the Faith of everyone is implanted and in which it grows, drawing from the powerful example of the parents,” the Archbishop added.

Archbishop Obbo went on to say that the preparations are running along three dimensions stressing the centrality of the family, the indispensable role of the Catechist in the evangelisation and sustenance of the family, and lastly the youth.

“The catechists are our immediate pastoral agents at the grass-root where they get n touch with the family unit and sustain its faith.

“The young people, who constitute the majority of the population in Uganda, are a treasure to the Church and they need our care, love and guidance.” 

Preparations and celebrations of the Martyrs Day are projected at UGX 720,000,000 and UGX 390 million has so far been raised, leaving a balance of UGX 330 million.

“We have barely a month left. We continue to appeal to all people of good will and institutions to support this celebration in honour of our Martyrs. The success of Tororo is indeed our success as Ugandans.”

A bank account in Centenary Bank, Tororo Branch has specifically been opened for this celebration. It is in the names of Archdiocese of Tororo Martyrs Celebration and the number is 3100049368. An Airtel Mobile Money number: 0755 420 408 in the same names is also in place.

An official souvenir magazine is being prepared. It will have information about the life of the Uganda Martyrs, special messages, the Order of Mass, readings and hymns. The Archbishop urged individuals and institutions to contact the Social Communications Department of Uganda Catholic Secretariat to advertise in the magazine.

His Grace further revealed that a fundraising dinner has been organised on May 17 at Hotel Africana, Kampala starting at 6.00 pm. One dinner card costs UGX 150,000 while a table of ten people costs two million shillings.

The Chairman of the Organising committee in Kampala, Robert Kaminza, said that a caller tune from the theme song fetches the occasion UGX 500. Those on MTN simply type TUNE 502 7772 and send to 170. Those on Airtel type ACT 766 5003 and send to 157. The caller tune costs UGX 700.

Kaminza also revealed that a car sticker is on sale at a minimum of UGX 5,000 in Kampala to help raise the remaining amount of money.

Archbishop Obbo also urged pilgrims to “go through some kind of health check” before they set off for Namugongo. He however added that a number of individuals and institutions have expressed willingness to offer ambulances and personal vehicles to assist pilgrims.

He revealed that he will on Sunday, 20^th May bless and officially flag off the foot pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Tororo at the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Tororo. These pilgrims will start their pilgrimage to Namugongo on 25^th May and officially enter the Shrine on 31^st May.

On April 21, a children’s walk of faith was organised at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo. The children and youth made the pilgrimage to strengthen their faith. The Rector of St. Mary’s National Major Seminary, Ggaba, Fr. Paul Masolo was the main celebrant.

The Uganda Episcopal Conference, Uganda Tourism Board and the Archdiocese of Tororo are organising the Walk of Faith on Saturday, 12^th May along the central theme. It is to be led by the youth.

The one-day pilgrimage was initiated in 2016. It will start in Munyonyo where the Martyrs were condemned, and end at St. Matia Mulumba Church in Old Kampala. This is where St. Matia Mulumba was martyred.

“It is a symbolic walk and spiritual journey to enable our Christians to experience the Martyrs’ pain and last moment on earth. I encourage all of you o come and make this pilgrimage,” the Archbishop said.

Msgr. John Baptist Kauta, the Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference urged the Press to concentrate on those who come to Namugongo to celebrate the Martyrs’ witnessing of Christ.