By Johannesburg AdNews

The Archdiocese of Johannesburg has for the past 6 years hosted the annual Uganda Martyrs celebration. Dubbed ‘Namugongo in Johannesburg’ in reference to the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine where a big celebration is always held on the feast of the Uganda Martyrs, the event draws the clergy and the faithful from various parts of the country.

On Sunday, 4 June they congregated at St Maria Goretti, Riverlea, Johannesburg.

The Eucharistic celebration was led by Archbishop Buti Tlhagale OMI with several Ugandan priests concelebrating. The High Commissioner of Uganda to South Africa, (His Excellency), Paul Amoru, accompanied by members of the Uganda Embassy participated in the Mass which was celebrated in English, Luganda, Swahili, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and French.

In his sermon, Archbishop recounted the atrocities that the Uganda Martyrs who were killed on the orders of King Mwanga in 1885 endured for the sake of the gospel.

“The punishment was humanly unbearable. They were tortured, beheaded, burnt, castrated and limbs severed from their bodies. It is clear however that the Martyrs were resolute in their faith. These are martyrs of the universal Catholic Church. They are members of God’s household and can intercede on behalf of whoever seeks their intervention,” he explained.

He said Catholic Christians from Uganda who are now resident in South Africa have brought to the Catholics of South Africa a gift, a “pearl of great price, the holy Martyrs of Uganda.”

He encouraged that this great blessing be gradually and even patiently introduced or offered to Catholic South Africa.

“The spirit of the Martyrs of Uganda must also, through you, permeate the faith of South African Catholics. We must all share the merits of the Martyrs. These annual celebrations will not only lift our own individual spiritual output, but will also help to overcome our pettiness, our prejudice, even our xenophobia,” he said.

Ambassador Paul Amoru remarked that if felt great to be in Namugongo in Johannesburg.

“In my 10 months as the High Commissioner of Uganda to South Africa, today is one of those milestones that is making me proud to be a Christian and a friend of South Africa,” he shared.

He expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Buti for his hospitality, support and the love he has shown to the Ugandan community.

He also spoke about King Mwamba’s reign, how he vehemently opposed Christianity and how the Christian converts’ sacrifice became the turning point of the spread of Christianity in Uganda, inspiring millions of people all over the world.

He acknowledged the bilateral ties which date back to the struggle for liberation for the majority of black South Africans that both countries enjoy and encouraged tourism to Uganda; especially religious tourism.

The High Commissioner committed to working closely with the Church and the Ugandan Christian Community in South Africa to encourage the annual pilgrimage to Namugongo. He urged that if people are not able to attend the Johannesburg celebration, be it that they are in Namugongo in Uganda.

“I, therefore, congratulate you upon attaining the 6th year anniversary of celebrating the Uganda Martyrs Day in South Africa. It is a sign of determination, resilience, and focus as demonstrated by the martyrs themselves,” he concluded.