Ugandans pay homage to Blesseds Daudi Okelo and Jildo Irwa

The Archbishop of Gulu has called on the faithful to imitate the courage of blessed martyrs Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa and other Martyrs in witnessing their faith in Christ. His Grace John Baptist Odama made the remark in his homily during a recent pilgrimage to Wi Polo Paimol Martyrs Shrine in northern Uganda.

Please find below an article by Rev. Fr. Samuel Okidi Mwaka, Communications Coordinator, Archdiocese of Gulu

On October 20, 2016, thousands of pilgrims from across the country made a pilgrimage to Wi Polo Paimol Martyrs Shrine in Kalongo subcounty, Agago District, to commemorate the beatifiation of Catechists Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa.

The two catechists, both of Acholi decent, were killed on October 18, 1918 for refusing to denounce their faith. They preached equality against the practice of slavery, witchcraft and clan discriminations of the time. They were beatifid by St. Pope John Paul II on October 20, 2002. Since their beatifiation, the celebration has been gaining rapid momentum as far as the number and devotions of the pilgrims is concerned.

This year’s celebration was animated by Lacor Deanery which comprises of fie parishes in Amuru, Gulu and Nwoya Districts. It was held under the theme, “For me life is Christ, Death is gain”, extracted from Philippians 1:21.

The Mass was presided over by Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, the Archbishop of Gulu and Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, and con-celebrated by Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli, Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, Bishop of Arua Diocese, Rt. Rev. Linus Sanctus Wanok, Bishop of Nebbi Diocese and Rt. Rev. Damiano Guzzetti, Bishop of Moroto Diocese. Besides the Bishops, there were over two hundred priests who concelebrated the Holy Mass.

In his homily Archbishop Odama said, the theme of this year’s celebration recalls the experience of St. Paul of being won over by Christ.

“This year’s Provincial Pilgrimage to the Martyrs of Wi Polo Paimol Shrine takes place in a special context of the year of mercy when the Holy Father has invited the whole Church following the example of Christ to make humanity that is wounded by sin and many other ills, experience God’s compassion and mercy. We have as directed by the Holy Father designated the main door of the Church at this Shrine as a door of mercy,” he said.

He called upon the faithful to pay tribute to God for the gift of the Blessed Martyrs as well as the Martyrs of Namugongo, for the courage they showed in witnessing to Christ at their young age and during the period of uncertainty.

“Coming for a pilgrimage to Paimol can be considered as, first gratitude to the Martyrs, secondly as a moment of paying tribute to them for their achievement, thirdly it is also a moment to learn from them how they lived faithfully their faith in Jesus Christ and finally it is a moment to praise God who’s will succeeded in their lives hence making them our intercessor,” the Archbishop explained.

The Guest of Honour was the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. He spearheaded the fundraising for the development of the Paimol Martyrs Shrine. In his speech, he encouraged the pilgrims to emulate the example of dedication and sacrifies portrayed by the Martyrs and contribute towards Paimol shrine that should be raised to the level of a National Spiritual Tourism destination. He made a contribution of shs5m towards the Paimol Development fund.

Also in attendance were several government dignitaries who included the Deputy speaker of Parliament, Rt. Honourable Jacob Oulanya and Hon. Salamu Musumba. Oulanyah made a contribution of shs10m towards the development of the Shrine.

The hosting Deanery for 2017 will be Christ the King Deanery in Kitgum Vicariate. Gulu University animated the 2015 celebration.

Source: The New Contact, a publication of the Uganda Episcopal Conference.