Munyonyo to Begin Martyrs Novena Tomorrow, Plans Farewell for Fr. Paul Mutaasa
The Parish Priest of Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, together with the organizing committee for the Martyrs and Parish Day celebrations, has invited all parishioners to participate in this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3, which will also mark Parish Day. As in previous years, the celebrations will begin tomorrow with the annual Martyrs Novena, running from May 25 to June 2. The nine-day spiritual journey will feature daily prayers, inspirational talks, and Holy Mass, in line with the Archdiocesan Martyrs Novena calendar. Each day has been assigned a specific preacher and presiding priest. Recently, the Uganda Episcopal Conference encouraged Catholic faithful to celebrate Uganda Martyrs Day within their respective parishes following concerns over the Ebola situation in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Following this guidance, the Parish Priest and organising committee have confirmed that the novena will officially begin tomorrow, Monday, May 25, at 5:00 PM. The novena will conclude on June 2 with the highly anticipated Martyrs Night Vigil. The overnight program will feature teachings, praise and worship, fireworks, and Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Raymond Kalanzi. The celebrations will climax on Wednesday, June 3, with a solemn Mass at 11:00 AM commemorating the Feast of the Uganda Martyrs and Parish Day. The Mass will be led by Msgr. Lawrence Ssemusu and followed by Parish Day festivities. This year’s celebrations will also include the administration of First Holy Communion to children. Parish Priest Fr. Male has encouraged all parishioners to participate fully in this spiritually enriching period and join in the Parish Day celebrations. The activities will feature music and drama performances, a march by the Bubondo, performances by the Munyonyo choirs, and cultural entertainment from the Bantu Troupe. The faithful are encouraged to participate in these activities as a sign of unity and shared devotion inspired by the Uganda Martyrs. Meanwhile, the Munyonyo community is also preparing to bid farewell to Fr. Paul Mutaasa on Sunday, May 31, during the 6:00 PM Novena Mass, which will be led by Msgr. Rogers Kabuye. Fr. Mutaasa has served at Munyonyo for the past three years following his arrival as a Deacon in March 2024. He was later ordained a priest in August of the same year and was appointed Assistant Parish Priest. He will now join the Franciscan Mission in Gulu, where he will minister alongside Fr. Jozef Mulindwa, who previously served at Munyonyo as well. Following Mass, a farewell gathering will be held in the parish parking area in appreciation of Fr. Mutaasa’s dedicated service to the Munyonyo community. The Ensigo team is grateful for his contribution to the parish and wishes him God’s blessings and a fruitful mission in Gulu.
