Jinja Diocese is in “very high gear” preparing for Martyrs Day 2023

Jinja Diocese is in “very high gear” preparing for Martyrs Day 2023

By Silas Isenjia

Jinja Diocese is in “very high gear” preparing for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings – the annual June 3 Martyrs’ Day Pilgrimage – by implementing safety protocols, training local medical response teams, and preparing for the expansive liturgical celebrations for the pilgrims who will number over one million, according to the Vicar General of the Diocese.

“We are expecting pilgrims in large numbers from Uganda and local countries such Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and also from Nigeria,” Fr. Paul Musana told our correspondent in an interview about the event that takes place at Namugongo Shrine in Uganda’s Kampala Archdiocese.

In the interview earlier this Month, the Vicar General of Jinja Diocese who doubles as the Diocesan Social Communications Coordinator said that the pilgrims are set to arrive on June 1 and that there will be a Eucharistic celebration to welcome them.

Through the official Facebook account for the Social Communications Office of Jinja Diocese, they noted that on 28th May 2023 pilgrims will arrive at Rubaga Cathedral then on 29th May 2023, the Bishop flags them off to Namugongo via the new bridge on foot!

There will be an evening Mass in the Cathedral of St. Joseph of Jinja Diocese on June 2 “to pray and push for the Canonization of former President of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere,” who was declared a servant of God in May 2005, Fr. Musana Said

He said that Local Priests from Jinja Diocese and also other Dioceses in the East African nation will be available in Namugongo to counsel and also offer confession to those who will arrive ahead of the June 3 celebration.

Asked about the security of pilgrims, Fr. Musana said that the government is very much involved, and that there will be “serious security scrutiny before entry.”

“We expect about 400 Very Important Persons (VIPs) to pack inside and they will be provided with tags,” he said.

Regarding health, “there will be timely ambulances and the health service providers have been rehearsing and continue to rehearse ahead of the material day,” Fr Musana said, and acknowledged the collaboration between the Commission for Health in Jinja Diocese and the Red Cross.

“There will be timely ambulances and the health service providers have been rehearsing and continue to rehearse ahead of the material day,” he said.

The Vicar General also shared about plans for accommodation and feeding, noting that facilities of Catholic schools around Namugongo Shrine are to be used.

On liturgy, “we are working with Kampala Archdiocese to ensure that we balance up whatever is needed,” he said, adding that “rehearsals for the choir Master of Ceremonies and other liturgical practices have been going on since November last year.”

Translation services will be provided, as well as the use of “sign language to accommodate the deaf,” he further said.

Asked about the budget for the day, Fr. Musana said that realizing the estimated 2.2 billion Ugandan Shillings ($590,922.00) has remained one of the challenges in organizing the for June 3 pilgrimage.

“Many have promised and (are) yet to deliver,” he said during the May interview, adding that the organizing committee is yet to realize 50 percent of the required funds.

“Last year, the government gave one Billion and we are hoping for the same this year,” the Vicar General of Jinja Diocese said.