By Immaculate Tusingwire
The Jubilee year is slowly coming to a close and it has been joyfully celebrated worldwide. In Uganda, the consecrated persons have celebrated the Jubilee of Consecrated life in different Ecclesiastical Provinces.
In Kampala Archdiocese, over 400 consecrated persons gathered at Namugongo on February 2nd, 2025 for the opening celebration. The theme was: “With the Ugandan Martyrs, Anchors of Hope, we celebrate our Consecration and Renew. Our Hope.” From the official opening up to now, the four Vicariates also commemorated the Jubilee Year under the theme: “Together we can build a Present and Future with Hope, Peace and Reconciliation”, animated by Rev Fr. Anthony Kibira. Each Vicariate reflected on how they could live out the call of the Jubilee in their specific contexts.
In Entebbe Vicariate, members expressed a deep desire for inner healing, acknowledging that most of them have been struggling with a form of spiritual imprisonment. They also recognized the need to deepen their commitment, attitudes, and approaches to teaching Catechism, as shortcomings in this area have contributed to the loss of youth to other denominations, with claims that the religious did not do enough to root them firmly in Catholic doctrine. Furthermore, they emphasized the importance of allowing the Lord to work within them by returning to the original inspirations of their founders through prayer
When Mitala Maria Vicariate came together, they alos planned some activities for the Jubilee year. Mpigi Deanery resolved to visit Mpigi Prison, while Mitala Maria Deanery planned a visit to Kankobe Children’s Home, bringing items such as soap, sugar, rice, cooking oil, loaves of bread, and other necessities. And these were carried out.
Wakiso Vicariate expressed their desire to walk as pilgrims of hope, to be witnesses of peace, and to practice charity within and beyond their communities. They committed themselves to forgiveness, to fostering a synodal and compassionate style of leadership, and to manifesting faith so clearly that all who encounter them may experience the love of God. As a Vicariate, they agreed to organize an activity that would bring them together, enabling them to know one another better and to support those in need. The consecrated communities also resolved to present to parishioners and well-wishers the beauty of the different charisms within the Catholic Church, and to engage in concrete charitable activities as a sign of their shared mission.
The practical steps suggested by Kampala Vicariate include praying always for one another, setting aside time for a day of recollection together as a denary, and making regular visitations, especially to members who are sick. They also suggested reaching out through charitable acts such as visiting the Motherless Babies’ Home in Nsambya, offering prayers and presence to the sick in hospitals, sharing with refugees, Visit slums of Kiganda and Acholi quarters, visit to Luzira prison and the Children’s remand home in Naggulu.
While some Ecclesiastical provinces have already had an official closing of the year, Kampala Archdiocese will have their closing celebration on November 8th 2025, at Lubaga Cathedral, starting with a procession from Mapeera Nabunnya Pilgrim Centre, Lubaga at 9.30am followed by Eucharistic celebration at 10.am.
