The Third Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations in South Africa. 16th June 2018
Theme: Let us walk in the light of God as a family, because family is where faith is implanted.
This year 2018; once more the Ugandan Christian Community in South Africa, led by their catechists, Fr. Joseph Luyombya and Fr. George Okwi; plus Mrs. Judy Ssemugabi Bakyayita, Mr. Peter Seguya (aka Wise P), Mr. Vincent Mucunguzi and Mrs. Semambo; organized Uganda Martyrs Day Celebration in South Africa. Many Ugandans and their South African counterpart contributed towards the success of this event.
They celebrated the Solemnity of the 24 Ugandan Martyrs which in principle is to be celebrated on 3rd June as stipulated on the Uganda calendar but due to pastoral reasons, Ugandans in South Africa moved it to 16th of June which is also a public holiday in South Africa (Youths Day). The celebration this year was held at Mayfair Catholic Parish Johannesburg; many attended including Ugandans, South Africans and many other nationalities.
The main Celebrant for the Mass was His Lordship Duncan Tsoke Auxiliary Bishop of Johannesburg archdiocese; concelebrants were His Lordship Victor Phalana Bishop of Klerksdorp dioceses South Africa, Fr. Joseph Ruzindana National Youth Chaplain Uganda, Ugandan priests working in South Africa and other priests working in Johannesburg especially in the Mayfair region.
The celebration was also honored by a delegation from the Ugandan Consulate led by the Deputy High commissioner Mr. Julius Kivuna and many more dignitaries from different walks of life, more especially the hard working Ugandans leaving in South Africa. The Celebrations were divided into two: Mass and a feast party that included Ugandan local dishes and music.
The Bishops and the Deputy high commissioner all in their speeches after Mass, urged the people to go to Uganda and see for themselves the fruit of the Martyrdom; especially for the South Africans who have not been to that land of the Martyrs (Uganda).
Furthermore, Bishop Victor Phalana invited the Uganda community to celebrate the next Uganda Martyrs in Klerksdorp Catholic Diocese God willing; and also challenged the people present to be ambassadors of peace and to stand for one Africa and put an end to xenophobia.
The preacher of the day Rev. Fr. Joseph Ruzindana rendered a chronological history of the Ugandan Martyrs in his homily while linking the works of the Martyrs to the current challenges in life. He too challenged the youth present saying the Martyrs too were young People in the Youth when they made this choice to die for Christ, and that the youths today ought to emulate their brave example in their daily struggles of life.
The choir of the day was comprised of many African Nationalities, Ugandan, Congolese, Benin, Cameroon, South Africans, etc led by Mr. Charles Mugerwa.
After mass, the Ugandan community made a contribution towards the building of the Marian shrine in Johannesburg and shortly after, the celebration was continued with a feast and traditional dances. The people were also charmed by the charismatic creativity of Fr. Joseph Ruzindana who excited the people with the sing and dance and it was indeed a blissful moment of joy with nostalgic feelings.
By Stephen Syambi (seminarian)