The roots of the Shrine, an icon of a Sacred legacy of faith, resilience and Marian devotion is traced back in 1942, when Fr. Fiocco, a Comboni Missionary priest would ride to Iceme and lead prayers under the tree, (Provincial Pilgrimage Magazine, May 3, 2025).

The three-day event was animated by Ngetta Deanary, where the Mother house of MSMMC is sistuated. The event was guided by Fr. Simon Peter Olugu the Dean. It was punctuated with retreat facilitated by Holy Cross Ministries, Catechesis animated by Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church, awareness through Radio Wa, other activities included communal and personal prayer, adoration, reflections, confessions, counseling and accompaniments of the pilgrims.
Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu of Kotido Diocese graced the event when he joined the college of Bishops of Gulu Ecclesiastical Province: His Grace, Raphael P’mony Wokorach, Archbishop Gulu, the main celebrant, His Grace John Baptist Odama, Archbishop Emeritus-Gulu, Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, Bishop of Arua Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese and Rt. Rev. Dr. Constantine Rubiny, Bishop of Nabbi Catholic Diocese.

The then rebel attacks during the construction phase of the Shrine –Church, when people lost some of their cattle and other properties only served to strengthen the faith of the people. The then Parish Priest, Fr. Sebastiano Bianchi, MCCJ, initiated daily Rosary recitation to strengthen their faith in the face of adversity. The results were evident when some of laborers revived their lost faith!

On September 11, 1986, Rt. Rev. Ceasar Asili, the first Bishop of Lira Diocese blessed the Foundation stone of what has become Mary Mother of the Church Shrine, Iceme. From 2012, the Bishops of the Province designated the Shrine as official pilgrimage site. The provincial annual event kicked off in 2013, ever since attracting thousands of pilgrims. This year’s event attracted foot pilgrims from different Parishes of Gulu Ecclesiastical Province (Gulu Archdiocese, Nebbi, Arua and Lira Dioceses). Including some sisters like Sr. Maria Kulume, Secretary General, MSMMC who walked with the Christians from Uganda Martyrs Lira Cathedral. “This year’s pilgrims has out-numbered the previous ones,” a prelate remarked. Aloi Deanary received the candle, a sign to organize the next pilgrimage.

The distinguished guests during the event included Hon. Bahinduka Mugara Martin State Minister for Tourism who promised to support the Church in face lifting the shrine and others into worth while destination for tourism. Area MPs, local government representatives and the entire throng of pilgrims graced the occasion.

By Mary Lilly Driciru, MSMMC