Uganda Martyrs Invite us to be Witnesses of Christ: Apostolic Nuncio

“The Christian faith is practical, one that concerns actions, decisions, and responsibilities. Jesus said in his programmatic speech, you are the salt on earth. You are the light of the world,” the Nuncio said. 

The Italian-born diplomat went on to reflect on the Year of Prayer in preparation for the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, saying, “Since we are justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom we have obtained the access to his grace, in which we stand.”

“Hope does not disappoint because God loves us. In the heart of each person's hope dwells the desire and expectation of good things to come,” he said, and added, “Despite our not knowing what the future may bring, hope is born of love and based on the love springing from the pierced heart of Jesus upon the cross.”

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Archbishop Bianco said, “The first sign of hope should be the desire for peace in our world. Pope Francis invites during the Holy Year to be tangible signs of hope for both of our brothers and sisters who experience hardship of any kind.”

The Archbishop invited the pilgrims to be signs of hope for the migrants, the elderly, grandparents, the millions of poor people who he said often lack the essentials of life.

The Apostolic Nuncio in Uganda said, “The most convincing testimony to this hope is provided by the martyrs’ steadfastness in their faith in the risen Christ.”

The Uganda Martyrs’ Day dates back to the first decade of Christian presence in the East African nation when 45 men aged between 14 to 50 years were killed by the King of Buganda between 1885 and 1887 because of their Christian faith.

Among the 45 were 22 Catholics beatified in 1920 and canonized in 1964 who continue to promote Catholic life in the country and also play an important role in constructing a Catholic identity globally.

Namugongo shrine is a large property covering the site where St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, who included pages at the royal court, were burned alive by the order of Kabaka (King) Mwanga II of the Buganda kingdom.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.