About ten Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church, are among the throng of one thousand (1000) foot pilgrims from Lira to Namugongo Uganda Martyrs shrine for the annual 3rd June celebrations, 2025. With the theme: Oh Lord, let me see again, I your pilgrim of Hope, the sisters give spiritual inspiration, renewal and hope among the faithful as Msgr. Richard Kayondo of Lugazi Diocese explains the motive of the theme.
The sisters who braved foot pilgrimage to Namugongo from Lira and other communities include: Sr. Lucia Katushabe, Sr. Brenda Bidong, Sr. Esther Akumu, Sr. Oliver Acen, Sr. Sylvia Ayikoru, Sr. Judith Osumaru, Sr. Rosette Ayebembere, Sr. Justine Busingye, Sr. Aphara Tumuheise and Sr. Maria Kulume. The distance covers about 380 kilometers to Namugongo. On their journey, they made stopovers in various institutions like parishes and schools.
The pilgrims appreciate all support systems in place: Spiritual support from the priests who journey with them, health, security, food, moral and financial support. The journey that started on May 16, 2025 is close to an end as the pilgrims are in Kasana Luweero, nearing Kampala. The pilgrims comprise of women, youth sisters and priests who provide spiritual needs on the hectic journey.
Some of the pilgrims confessed personal intentions along side praying for Uganda’s peace amidst turbulent and volatile politics, family needs, healing and deliverance. The sisters and other pilgrims faced various experiences: The pain and fatigue of long distance called for sacrifice and prayer. “I almost gave up but on recalling how Jesus suffered for me on the way to Calvary strengthened my faith to proceed with the journey,” Sr. Sylvia Ayikoru observed.
