Gulu Archdiocese Finalises Pilgrimage To Iceme

By Odongo Jimmy Bosco

Thousands of Pilgrims on Saturday congregated at the Marian Shrine of Iceme for the Annual Ecclesiastical Province of Gulu Archdiocese Pilgrimage which also marked May as the month dedicated to the Blessed Mary Mother of Jesus.

The gathering of the pilgrims, some of whom arrived at the shrine on Thursday with others travelling on foot from the Dioceses of Gulu, Arua, Nebbi and from all the parishes of Lira Diocese, witnessed the historic administering of the Holy Sacrament of Communion for over 5,000 Christians.

This year’s event led by Bishop of Nebbi Diocese Rt. Rev. Linus Sanctus Wanok, was also con-celebrated by Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese His Grace John baptist Odama, the Bishop of Arua Diocese Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki and the host, Bishop Joseph Franzelli of Lira Diocese.

While welcoming the pilgrims, Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli said the day is an important one in the Christians’ as an opportunity to present before the Blessed Mary Mother of God the joy and sufferings of all the others. He said its the time to pray for unity, reconciliation, peace and development in the dioceses, in northern Uganda and the entire country.

Bishop Franzelli also asked the pilgrims to intercede with Blessed Mary for the commitment to the service of the less fortunate living among the community.

In his homily, Bishop Santus Wanok decried the choice of live that does not lead one to eternity, which he said is living outside the Sacraments. He compared the kind of live to the food and drink that do not give eternal live. He said every thing that currently bring conflict is linked to food and drinks which also destroy the health of the human life.

While reminding the congregation about the next Provincial Pilgrimages to take place at Indrani in Adjumani in Arua Diocese on 14th September and Paimol in Gulu Archdiocese on 20th October, Archbishop John Baptist Odama expressed his joy for the faith the Christians are already showing through the pilgrimages that include the June 3rd Namugongo National Pilgrimage.