KAMULI: 100 years later, Jinja Diocese celebrates the Legion of Mary in a ceremonious church event filled with pomp, colour and jubilation. The celebratory Mass held at Kamuli Rubaga Catholic Mission in Kamuli District on Saturday, July 16, 2022, was led by the Rt Rev Charles Martin Wamika the Bishop of Jinja Diocese.
During Mass, Bishop Wamika who was honoured to be part of the centennial celebrations congratulated the congregation upon making it to the occasion as the Catholic Church celebrates the Legion of Mary.
“It is import for us to note that Mother Mary was entrusted to this country by Pope Paul VI during his visit in 1969 to be the patron of Uganda,” said Bishop Wamika as he briefed the congregation about the history of the Legion of Mary in Uganda.
Pointing out how Uganda is blessed to have Mother Mary as her special intercessor, Bishop Wamika urged Ugandans to recall the abundant graces and favours bestowed upon them by Mother Mary who is also the Mother of all believers.
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“Therefore, the celebrations should increase and confirm our attachment and love for Mother Mary as Christians,” added Bishop Wamika.
Also during the celebrations, Bishop Wamika did not hesitate to call upon the people of Kamuli to join in the organisation of the June 3, 2023, Martyrs’ Day celebrations that will be led by Jinja Diocese.
Bishop Wamika told Legionaries that during the year of the Holy Spirit at the Bishop’s plenary seating in Nsambya, Bishops in their wisdom voted for Jinja Diocese to organise Uganda Martyrs Day 2023. He said he wants the Legionaries in a special way to show the whole world that Legion of Mary has a strong place in the Diocese.
Bishop Wamika also went ahead to thank the Legionaries who gave Fr. Gaetano Ochieng over 5000 Rosaries in 2012 that saw the entire Kapchorwa filled with rosaries as the last person had it around their neck while the majority recited them. Highlighting such a noble act, Bishop Wamika said he wants the same done to all foot pilgrims to Namugongo next year and that Legionaries should take the lead in this.
In a special way also, he launched the fundraising drive to raise funds for the celebration. The Bishop asked Christians to either donate money, or bring food stuffs to help in the organisation.
At the same event also, over 50 couples renewed their marriage vows and were given wrist bands.
Delivering a speech at the celebrations also, President of the Catholic Laity in Uganda – Gervase Ndyanabo thanked Jinja Diocese for electing a lady M/S Josephine Bichachi as the head of Laity in Jinja. Jinja now becomes the second diocese after Masaka to have a lady as head Laity in Uganda.
He also stressed that Legion of Mary has a special place in his heart and as such he forewent his parish day just to join the Legionaries.
