By Paschal Norbert
KIGUNGU, FEBRUARY 18, 2025 (CISA) – Thousands of Catholic faithful gathered at Kigungu, Entebbe, to commemorate 146 years since the arrival of the first Catholic missionaries in Uganda.
The annual pilgrimage, held every February 17, honours the historic moment when Père Simeon Lourdel Mapeera and Brother Amans Delmas set foot on Ugandan soil in 1879, bringing the Catholic faith to the region.
The celebrations were led by Rt Rev Severus Jjumba of the Catholic Diocese of Masaka. Addressing the congregation, Bishop Jjumba reflected on the enduring significance of faith, unity, and perseverance in the face of modern challenges. He urged the faithful not to be swayed by fear but to rely on God’s intercession in their daily lives.
“Fear has led many people into various problems. In the Bible, Cain killed Abel because of fear, he feared that Abel would be glorified before the Lord. Little did he know, no one is greater than God,” the bishop said in his homily. He emphasized that fear weakens faith and called on believers to stand firm in their commitment to God.
Speaking directly to married couples, Bishop Jjumba encouraged them to trust in God’s presence in their union.
“When people make vows, Jesus is always at the center of their marriage. Do not let fear shake your commitment to one another,” he counseled.
The pilgrimage drew faithful from across Uganda, many of whom traveled long distances to participate in the sacred event. For them, Kigungu is more than just a historical landmark, it is a place of deep spiritual renewal. Every year, the quiet fishing village on the shores of Lake Victoria transforms into a hub of religious devotion as thousands gather to honour the sacrifices made by the early missionaries and celebrate the resilience of Catholicism in Uganda.
The site where Père Mapeera and Brother Amans first arrived has since become a revered place of prayer, symbolizing the roots of the Catholic faith in Uganda. Pilgrims of all ages, from young children to the elderly, flock to Kigungu to seek divine blessings, reflect on their faith, and strengthen their connection with God.
As the mass concluded, Bishop Jjumba urged the faithful to follow in the footsteps of the pioneering missionaries by deepening their faith and serving their communities selflessly. The celebrations culminated in a solemn procession to the historical monument marking the missionaries’ arrival. There, pilgrims knelt in prayer, expressing gratitude for 146 years of Catholicism in Uganda and seeking God’s continued guidance.
