Uganda: Pope's visit will give faith to young people

The Pope's celebration of Uganda's martyrs will revitalise the faith of the young Church in Uganda according to a senior Christian leader. Speaking to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, Mgr John Baptist Kauta, Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, described how the country's violent past had prepared the way for a young and hopeful Church to emerge.

Pope Francis, who will arrive in Uganda on Friday, 27th November, will celebrate a special Mass commemorating the 50th anniversary of the canonisation of the Ugandan Martyrs. The event, scheduled for the second day of the visit will occur in the newly renovated church in Namugongo. He will also be received by catechists and teachers in Munyonyo, Kampala.

Monsignor Kauta said that he was expecting more than two million faithful to join the Holy Father in honouring the 22 Catholics who died for their faith in the 19th century.

The Monsignor also stressed that the theme of the Pope's visit to Uganda - You Will Be My Witnesses - which is taken from the Acts of the Apostles 1: 8 reflects the subject of martyrdom.

Monsignor Kauta added: "We too are called to witness in one way or another. Our faith must be alive and shown through our good work. The Pope's simple life is a beautiful example. He revitalises the people's faith and reminds us there is always room for improvement."

Ahead of the Pope's arrival, Monsignor Kauta said the visit was an excellent reminder of the universality of the Church, particularly for Uganda where the Church is relatively new in some states.

Pilgrims from Kenya, Tanzania, Australia and the United States are predicted to make the journey to see the Pope. As well as promoting tourism, Monsignor Kauta hopes that the visit will also encourage inter-religious dialogue and noted that the Muslim community had passed on their warm wishes for a successful visit.

The Pope will also meet a number of married couples and more than 100,000 young people which the Monsignor hopes will strengthen the faith of the youth.

"It is like he is saying: 'We appreciate what you are doing, keep up the good work' To me, it gives faith to all of us. We are prosperous though we have the pangs of birth as a new church in a new age."

Monsignor Kauta also thanked Aid to the Church in Need for helping the Church in Uganda overcome some of the challenges they face. In particular, for providing transport so that some of the country's 14,000 catechists are able to minister to their large parishes in the countryside. He thanked benefactors for "helping us to meet the people's need and make the church as local as possible.

"We are the children now sharing the same Church."

Aid to the Church in Need also provides support on a diocesan level, supporting priests and catechists through Mass stipends as well as supporting a number of construction projects. In 2014, the charity provided more than £800,000 for around 88 projects.

Source: ACN