Thousands of faithful gathered at Uganda Martyrs Parish Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine–Minor Basilica on 3rd June to commemorate the lives and witness of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, the Holy Uganda Martyrs.
In preparation for the celebrations, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, issued guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for places of worship, schools and other public gatherings to ensure the safety of all participants. The Uganda Episcopal Conference also provided directives on the conduct of Mass, including observing social distancing and receiving Holy Communion on the hand.
The Parish Priest, Fr Male, together with the parish leadership and organising team, ensured that all the guidelines issued by both the Government and the Episcopal Conference were fully implemented to safeguard the health and wellbeing of pilgrims and parishioners.
The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Msgr. Lawrence Ssemusu attracted more than a thousand pilgrims and parishioners. The occasion was made even more memorable as over 100 children received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, marking an important milestone in their journey of faith.
In his homily, Msgr. Ssemusu reflected on the unique circumstances under which this year’s celebration was held, noting that ordinarily the day would witness countless pilgrims walking to Munyonyo and Namugongo in prayer and devotion.
Despite the disruption of the traditional pilgrimage, Msgr. Ssemusu emphasised that the faith of believers remains strong. “The footsteps may have been stopped, but the journey of faith continues. The pilgrimage to the Martyrs Shrines may have been suspended, but the pilgrimage to holiness continues because Christ is alive in you and in me,” he noted, drawing from the theme of this year’s celebrations, “Christ Is Alive In You and Me”.
He described Munyonyo as a sacred place that marked the final earthly journey of the Uganda Martyrs before their execution at Namugongo. “Before the flames, there was the decision. It was from here that they began their final trek toward eternity. What a grace it is that today we celebrate from this sacred ground,” he said.
Msgr. Ssemusu also paid tribute to the late Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, whose vision and determination led to the construction of the Minor Basilica at Munyonyo. He said the shrine stands as part of the Archbishop’s enduring legacy and his commitment to preserving the memory and witness of the Uganda Martyrs.
Focusing on the theme of legacy, Msgr. Ssemusu described it as “the influence that refuses to die.” He noted that although the martyrs died many years ago, their witness continues to inspire millions of Christians today.
“The Uganda Martyrs are dead, yet they still live. They are gone, yet they still teach. They were burned, yet their fire still burns today. The Church in Uganda exists because of their tremendous witness, and the faith of millions is born from their courage,” he said.
He challenged the faithful to move beyond merely admiring the martyrs and instead examine their own lives. “The question is not whether Christ is alive in someone else. The question is personal: Is Christ alive in me? Is Christ alive in you?” he asked.
Drawing from the first reading about the seven brothers and their mother who remained faithful despite persecution, Msgr. Ssemusu likened their courage to that of the Uganda Martyrs. He noted that just as they resisted pressure to abandon God’s law, Christians today face various forms of pressure, physical, moral, social, professional and cultural.
“The martyrs teach us that Christianity is not a part-time affair; it is an all-time affair. Christ must live within us every day, not only on Sunday,” he said.
He urged Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith and convictions, just as the martyrs did, praying for a generation of believers who are courageous enough to live and defend their faith in all circumstances.
Following the Mass, parishioners, pilgrims and well-wishers gathered for the Parish Day celebrations. This year, Munyonyo is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a Parish. The festivities featured a variety of activities, including a march-past in honour of the parish priests; Fr. Male, Fr. Mutaasa and Fr. Kibagajjo, cultural and musical performances by various parish choirs, the Bantu Cultural Troupe, teenagers and parish staff. The celebrations also included dancing, the cutting of the Parish Day cake and other activities that fostered joy, fellowship and thanksgiving among the faithful.
