In the contemporary world today, many people think stadiums and football fans has replaced religious pilgrimage! The evidence is the experience of Sr. Kolomba Adokorach, MSMMC in Q& A. She testifies that pilgrimage and persons (pilgrims) who make such long journeys, a symbol of the heavenly journey are irreplaceable.

Q: What prompted or inspired you to undertake this journey from Lira to Namugongo?

A: “Personally, I was inspired to be part of the pilgrims after observing problems such as rampart killings, homosexuality, spiritual need for the Priests, Consecrated Persons, Families, our Country Uganda and other countries especially those experiencing wars. And other needs such as ardent need for God’s presence among his people. I felt I should offer these prayers as sacrifice to God during the foot pilgrimage. It was a unique journey I have ever made in life!

This year 2023, the team of Christian-Pilgrims set off from Lira Diocese to Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine on May 19, 2023, to catch up with the D-day, June 3, 2023 for the annual event. 820 pilgrims were officially flagged off from Lira Cathedral premises to begin the journey of faith. Along the way other smaller groups added to the main group, thus, totaling to 1000 pilgrims. We made a journey of nine (9) days.

Q: Was there another motivation?

A: Yes, other sisters from my institute (Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church, MSMMC), who made similar journeys ahead of me also did inspire me. These sisters venerate the Holy Uganda Martyrs, who are among the Patron Saints of our Institute as slated by the Rt. Rev. Caesar Asili, our Founder. It is also symbolically seen in naming one of the blocks in the Mother House after the Holy Martyrs of Uganda.

Those who walked ahead of me include; Sr. Lillian Opinia, MSMMC, Sr. Seraphine Ndegyereze, MSMMC, Sr. Margret Akello, MSMMC, Sr. Orusula Angom, MSMMC and Sr. Eveline Mbabazi, MSMMC.

Q: How was your pilgrimage constituted?

A: The pilgrims included children, youths and the elderly. There were three Diocesan Priests: Fr. Peter Paul Okuta, Fr. Joseph Ogwal and Fr. Francis Otim in the group with me Sr. Kolomba representing the consecrated persons. The youngest in the group was eight (8) years old and the oldest was 88 years old. This journey comprised of believers from all the Parishes in Lira Diocese.

I am happy to see that, consecrated persons have taken interest to observe such long pilgrimages of several kilometers to the destination. We walked 380 kilometers from Lira to Namugongo. The journey to Namugongo martyrs’ shrine is not an ordinary journey but extraordinary one. It is a journey of faith, which most Christians from within and outside Uganda often make.

Q: Can you share with us your personal experience of the journey?

A: I am inspired to share with you my experience of the journey I made to Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine which I have made for two consecutive years that is, 2022 and 2023. My journey to Namugongo was accompanied by prayer which I made through the intercession of the Uganda martyrs who demonstrated their faith by accepting to die for God alone.

This is an invitation to every individual who believes in Jesus Christ, to grow in love of God, and have desire to dedicate yourself to the devotion of Uganda Martyrs because they are alive in spirit and their intercession strengthens us in our faith. May the blood of the Uganda martyrs shed for the love of Christ, continue to purify us that we may be worthy children of God by not running away in times of persecution. May the Holy Martyrs of Uganda, intercede for us.

Q: Can you share with us some of challenges you encountered?

A: Among other challenges encountered include fatigue. While on the way I reached a moment when my legs were terribly paining and when I sat down to rest, I was not able to get up. But surprisingly after I had said a short prayer, God gave me strength to proceed!

Shortage of drinking water; despite the availability of water provisions, the thirst for water would not be quenched!”

Q: Where else can we go for pilgrimage apart from Namugongo?

A: In Uganda and the neighborhood such places include another Uganda Martyrs Shrine at  Munyonyo, Our Lady, Sultana of Africa Shrine –Lodonga-Arua, Mary Mother of the Church Shrine, Iceme – Lira, Paimol Martyrs Shrine – Gulu, Mother of the Word Shrine –Kibeho, Rwanda,  The Holy Cross Shrine -Pakele, Arua Diocese, Omach Pilgrim Site -Nebbi Catholic Diocese and the like.

Such places are suitable for you and me. We can give it a trial next time, thank you!