Over 700 foot pilgrims from Nebbi start journey to Namugongo
May 15, 2024
They were flagged off by the Archbishop-elect of Gulu Ecclesiastical Province and the Bishop of Nebbi, Raphael P'Mony Wokorach.
John Paul Opio
Journalist @New Vision
__________________ Arch Bishop Elect Raphael Wokorach Pmony flagging foot pilgrims from Nebbi diocese
A 724-strong group of foot pilgrims from Nebbi Catholic Diocese in Uganda's north on Wednesday started what will be a long, exhausting journey to Namugongo ahead of the Martyrs' Day.
The day, held every June 3 in commemoration of the first Christian Martyrs in Uganda, draws thousands of pilgrims from within and outside the country.
The Diocese of Nebbi will animate this year’s Catholic celebrations, having last done so in 2007.
In Nebbi, the sizeable group of pilgrims began their quest at Namrwodu Catholic parish in Nebbi municipality.
They were flagged off by the Archbishop-elect of Gulu Ecclesiastical Province and the Bishop of Nebbi, Raphael P'Mony Wokorach.
If all goes as planned, the group is expected to arrive at the Namugongo Catholic shrine on May 28, six days ahead of D-day.
On their journey of faith, the pilgrims are accompanied by some consecrated men and women who are serving within the jurisdiction of the Nebbi diocese.
Before setting off, they underwent days of spiritual retreat at Namrwodu Catholic Parish to prepare them for this quest to Namugongo and other designated important places.
Fr Walter Wokorach, the diocesan youth chaplain of the Nebbi district, explained that they will be having masses at the different stopover points on their way to Kampala.
Urombi Emmanuel, the LC5 Nebbi district is determined that this pilgrimage will cause a lot of change in the lives of the people in the Nebbi diocese.
The pilgrims are upbeat.
Robert Abak, the resident district commissioner of Nebbi district, said they have beefed up security to ensure the pilgrims reach their destination safe and sound.
The youngest pilgrim is Solomon Munguromu from Paidha Catholic Parish in Zombo district while the oldest is 82-year-old Kashila Achibu from Pakwach Catholic Parish.
Achibu said she is using the pilgrimage to pray for the gift of healing, renewal, and deliverance from God as the provider of all things.
Some foot pilgrims are praying for peace, unity, tolerance, and love in their families.
Others are praying for respect for human rights and dignity as well as for God's intervention over the high cost of living.
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