Lira, Uganda | Spiritual momentum is building across Lango as over 1,200 foot pilgrims from both the Catholic and Anglican faiths embark on a sacred journey to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo.
At Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira City, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, presided over a special Holy Mass before flagging off 900 Catholic foot pilgrims at midnight.
In his homily, Bishop Wanok called on the faithful to allow the Blood of the Uganda Martyrs to renew their lives, urging them to walk in unity, love, and peace.
He warned the pilgrims against acts of retaliation, advising them to remain spiritually focused throughout the over 300-kilometre journey.
“Let this journey change your hearts. Accept discomfort with humility and walk as witnesses of faith,” he said.
The Catholic pilgrims, who include youth, men, and women, are accompanied by five priests and several nuns tasked with offering spiritual and emotional guidance throughout the long trek.
Meanwhile, preparations within the Anglican Diocese of Lango are also in advanced stages. According to Mr. Dickens Ogwal, Chairperson of the Lango Diocese Foot Pilgrims Committee, about 300 Anglican pilgrims have registered so far, with more expected by Friday morning.
Pilgrims from various archdeaconries have been reporting at the registration center located at St. Augustine Church, Barogole, since Tuesday.
The group also includes children under 15, who are preparing to participate in the spiritual exercise.
The Anglican foot pilgrims are expected to set off at 4:00 PM on May 16, joining thousands of faithful across Uganda making their way to Namugongo ahead of Martyrs Day on June 3.
The pilgrimage honors the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs, who were killed for their faith between 1885 and 1887.
The annual journey to Namugongo remains one of the largest spiritual events on the religious calendar in Uganda, drawing believers from all corners of the country.
Lira Diocese News Agency
May the lord bless them and provide for them as they journey with him.