Special Issue

October/Nov. 2012 Published by the Communications Department and printed by the Arua Diocese Printing Services, P.O. Box 454, Arua No. 127 CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE A pastoral letter by the Catholic Bishops of on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Uganda’s Independence. (Abridged edition)

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 1. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad (Ps. 118:24). As believers in the one God Independence who is guiding the history of human- kind, of all nations and of each per- son, we greet you with this joyful ac- clamation from the liturgy of Easter, the day of the Resurrection of Jesus our Saviour. We repeat it with re- newed joy and gratitude, fifty years later, as we celebrate the Golden Ju- bilee of our beloved country, Uganda. We have so many reasons to be grate- ful to God who has walked with us throughout our long journey of histo- ry. 2. The celebration of fifty years of independence should not be simply an event but, rather, an opportunity for us to celebrate the Lord’s deliver- ance and providence (Ex.13:16). 50 Years 3. Through all this time, in the events of our history as a nation, God has led and guided us. in our country. Since independence, formity with a truly God-fearing na- the Church has not only grown in 4. It is in the context of our own Exo- tion. dus as a nation that we, your bishops, number but also in her commitment to the service of the entire country. considered it worthwhile writing to PART ONE: you this pastoral letter so that we may THE CONTRIBUTION OF 8. It is in the ‘consolation of the Holy reflect together on the great wonders Spirit’ that the Church has grown. the Lord has done for us (Lk. 1: 46- THE The Spirit has led the Church in 55), and plan together the destiny of 6. Looking at all the struggles, Uganda to where and what it is to- our nation. achievements and failures of our day. 5. As reflected in our national motto, country, we, your bishops, invite you 9. In the words of Tertullian, The For God and my Country, Ugan- to reflect upon the contribution of the blood of the Martyrs is the seed of da is a God-fearing nation. Over 99% Catholic Church to the history and , the Church in our na- of the population subscribe to any of building of our country. tion has grown through the interces- the established religions in our coun- sion of the Martyrs, try. Hope and trust in God have kept The Growth of the Church and his Companions, Daudi Okello us going and growing together as a 7. Evangelization will never be possi- and Jildo Irwa. We pray that their nation for the last fifty years. In many ble without the action of the Holy blood continues to bless our country instances, however, our lived experi- Spirit.1 This proclamation has been with many holy men and women. ence as a nation has not been in con- truly and affirmatively realized here 10. In terms of local Clergy, the first

Arua Diocese Bulletin 1 October/November 2012

of two Ugandan priests took place in Masaka in 1913. The number of diocesan priests is current- ly estimated at 1850. 11. In 1939, Uganda witnessed the ordination of the first-ever African bishop from the south of the Sahara in the person of Archbishop Kiwanuka. 12. Vocation to religious life continue to grow in both local and internation- al congregations to totaling approxi- mately 3200 men and women. The number of catechists exceeds 13,000. 13. With the number of personnel available, though not yet sufficient, the Church is slowly becoming self- evangelizing and self-ministering. 14. From being a mission Church, in fulfillment of Paul VI’s prophecy in 1969 calling upon to be mis- sionary to herself, the Church in Uganda has moved to become mis- sionary to other lands. 15. We are grateful to God for the vi- brant Church with structures com- prising of four Ecclesiastical Provinc- es, 19 dioceses each with its own ca- nonical organization. 16. Associations and Ecclesial Move- ments are visible in the day-to-day life of the Church. Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, bishop of Arua Diocese, which is part of Ecclesiastic Province 17. Following the guidelines of the , the Word of odorus Nankyama and Leslie Brown God has been brought closer to the tion. people through the translation of the respectively, founded the Uganda Bible in local languages. 21. In faithfulness to her teaching Joint Christian Council (UJCC). The role, and in the effort to guide and Catholic Church has been an active Social Teaching of the Church animate the politics and life of our member of this ecumenical organiza- nation, often characterized by conflict tion, whose purpose and focus is to 18. The Catholic Social Teaching and violence, the Uganda Episcopal promote peaceful coexistence and states clearly that the Church in her Conference has published various collaboration among Christians in mission must reach out to all, espe- pastoral letters in response to the Uganda. cially to the poor and the marginal- challenges and problems facing our ized, of society so as to proclaim the 24. In the year 2000, following in the country. God of life and build a civilization of footsteps of the Pontifical Council for love. Inter-Religious Dialogue and inspired Ecumenism and by the World Council of Religions for 19. Already one year prior to inde- Inter-Religious Dialogue Peace, the Inter-Religious Council of pendence (November 1961), Arch- 22. The second Vatican Council ush- Uganda (IRCU) was formed. Its pur- bishop in his pasto- ered in a new spirit of relationship pose was mainly to promote dialogue ral letter, The Church and State: between religions. The documents: and peace among people of different Guiding Principles, emphasized the The Decree on Ecumenism and The religions. Since its inception, the importance of a proper relationship Decree on Relationship of the Church Catholic Church has been an active between the Church and the State in with Other Religions have influenced member. the growth and development of our the position of Catholics towards oth- country. er Christian believers and other world Women’s Promotion 20. Indeed, at some moments in the religions, including African Tradition- 25. In an effort to uplift and further history of our country, such relation- al Religions. In response to this, the empower the position and role of ship has not always been clear and Episcopal Conference has established women in society, the Episcopal Con- smooth. In the struggle for power, two full-fledged departments for Ecu- ference has established a National political, ethnic and religious affilia- menism and Inter-Religious Dialogue. Women’s Desk and encouraged its tions have sometimes been used in 23. In 1963, the Catholic, Orthodox formation in all the dioceses. turn to create division and fuel con- and Anglican Churches, through the 26. During the past fifty years, Catho- flict at the expense of the common Archbishops Joseph Kiwanuka, The- good and the building of a united na- lic women have contributed a lot to

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the transformation of our society and contribution to our country. In the in the growth and activities of the past, newspapers and magazines such Church. Today, they hold various po- as Munno and Leadership played an sitions of responsibility and leader- important role in the formation of our ship in the social, economic and polit- people through the provision of infor- ical life of the nation. Particularly rel- mation, even at times when freedom evant is their contribution in the of expression was at risk. Today, 13 health and education. radio stations spread through- out the country and 1 television Education station, together with a network of 27. The Catholic Church is proud of bookshops and diocesan bulletins, the enormous contribution made in continue the same task. the education sector of our nation. HIV and AIDS Health Among the many things to celebrate, 33. For the last 30 years now, Uganda we mention the prominent schools 31. The Church continues the healing like any other country in Africa, has and institutions established by the mission of Jesus. Right from the be- been struggling with the devastation Church and often run by religious ginning of evangelization in Uganda, caused by HIV and AIDS. congregations. These include approx- the Church has invested in health ser- imately 139 Pre-Primary Schools, vices with a holistic approach to the 34. In our Pastoral Letter, The AIDS 4775 Primary Schools, 594 Secondary healing of the human person. Today, Epidemic: Message of the Catholic Schools, 150 Tertiary Institutions we have the largest non-state network Bishops of Uganda, published in among which are 5 Major Seminaries, of health service providers in the 1989, we advised that HIV and AIDS the Philosophical Centre in Jinja run country, comprising of 30 hospitals should not be looked at in isolation, by the religious congregations, Ugan- (23% of the total number), 252 health but rather in relation to many chang- da Martyrs University, Nkozi, with its centres (13%), 28% of total hospital es in people’s attitude towards family campuses and centres spread across beds, and 13 institutions training life and the loss of moral values. This the country, and Rubaga Catholic So- nurses and midwives (39%), while still remains our position. cial Training Centre. providing clinical services 35. Today, 28 of our 30 hospitals and (outpatient) to between 15-17% of the 7 health centres provide antiretroviral Social Communication total population of the country. We therapy while all the rest of the health 29. By its very nature, the Church has employ 7,500 health workers, repre- facilities provide care and support, to the mandate to communicate the senting 20% of all health workers in varying levels, to persons living with Truth revealed by God to his people the country. HIV and AIDS. in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. 32. The Church has always defended the value of life at all stages of its de- 36. The Church’s concern about HIV In the field of social communication, and AIDS cuts across all our pastoral the Church has made tremendous velopment by taking a firm position against abortion. programmes. 37. As bishops, we have also laid strategies to attract resources from various partners of like minds for a wide range of HIV and AIDS respons- es.

Development 38. In the area of human integral de- velopment we, the Catholic Bishops, have spearheaded improvement of household income, sustainable agri- culture and food security. 39. Through our emergency relief programmes, challenged by our Christian call to be hospitable, we have also assisted people affected by calamities and disasters.

Environment 40. Uganda is known as the “Pearl of Africa”. Yet, environmental degrada- tion and uncontrolled pollution are affecting our climate very fast and causing unprecedented desertifica- tion. 41. In an effort to restore the coun- try’s forest cover, the Church has em- barked on tree planting.

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Justice and Peace 42. The Church has tirelessly con- tributed towards reconciliation, justice and peace in our country. 43. Together as Episcopal Confer- ence and through the initiatives of individual bishops and leaders, the Church has insisted on dialogue between conflicting parties for peaceful resolution of conflicts, rec- onciliation and restoration of jus- tice and peace among all the citi- zens of Uganda. 44. In response to the call made by Pope Paul VI in 1968, the Uganda Episcopal Conference has estab- lished the Commission for Justice and Peace at national level, and in all 19 dioceses. Our repeated and ongoing national campaign against domestic violence is another sign of our commitment to making sure that each of our families becomes what it is sup- posed to be, a “domestic church”, the first place where peace and rec- onciliation is taught and lived.

PART TWO: SHORTCOMINGS AND CHALLENGES

45. As the 50th Anniversary of inde- Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese and Chairman pendence was approaching, some of the Episcopal Conference of the Catholic bishops of Uganda. people, looking at all the troubles, suffering, division and problems which have marked this first period country, ours is a history of both suc- Education cess and failure, a history of joy but of our modern history, think there 49. Despite all the educational is nothing or little worth celebrat- also of tears. There have been mis- takes and shortcomings. achievements we have attained as a ing. We strongly disagree with such nation, we observe that there is ur- a point of view. Ecumenism and Interreli- gent need to reform our education 46. At the same time, like any other system. We need to produce - gious Dialogue makers instead of job-seekers. 47. Notwithstanding all the efforts in this field, we sadly note, especially at Social Communication grassroots, that there still exists 50. The media is a powerful means strained relationship among followers which affects the masses for good or of various religions as a result of mu- bad. The proper use of media remains tual suspicion and mistrust. This a challenge in our country. We de- jeopardizes sustainable peace and plore the spreading misuse of the development of our nation. press, radio and television which un- dermines the fundamental rights and Women Promotion values and dignity of the human per- 48. Regardless of what we have son and society. achieved as a nation, it is painful to note that there are still many women 51. The tremendous speed of techno- oppressed by the sociocultural struc- logical development in the world of tures and practices. Among the chal- communication poses a big challenge lenges affecting the dignity of women and offers a great opportunity to the which need urgent attention is gender Church in Uganda. For our Catholic based violence. As we celebrate the media in Uganda faced with an in- Golden Jubilee of our nation, we call creasingly stiffer competition, this upon everyone to join the fight challenge calls for networking, new against any form of injustice that de- skills, more creativity, courage and humanizes women in our society. discernment in the use of these me- dia. October/November 2012 4 Arua Diocese Bulletin

Health 52. We note with concern that many of the diseases affecting our country can be prevented. Unfortunately less attention is paid by both government and citizens to preventive measures. 53. The increasing voices calling for legalization of abortion and preven- tion of procreation, often proposed and spearheaded by human rights organizations, are a threat to humani- ty. Our stand on this subject was reaf- firmed in our Pastoral Letter, The Evil of Abortion, of April 1998. 54. We appeal to the Government and development partners to contin- ue standing by our side, as we search for improved health service delivery. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, the whole health sector should be run with more profession- alism, transparency and accountabil- ity. Rt. Rev. Sanctus Linus Wanok , bishop of Nebbi Diocese HIV and AIDS which is part of Gulu Ecclesiastic Province 55. Official government statistics should be carried out in a transpar- (Sero-status Report 2011) show that our country. ent manner. This will in the long in Uganda there are well over run prevent suspicion and mistrust 100,000 new infections of HIV annu- Political Struggles which can easily lead to conflict ally. Taking into account that close to and violence. 61. The struggle for power is a con- 80% of all new infections occur stant characteristic in the history of ■ Proceeds generated from oil should through sexual encounters, and many our country. We have observed over be equitably shared by way of im- of them within married couples, we the years that those who are in power proved social services across the urge all the partners to commit more tend to keep it at all cost, while the country. energy to ensuring stability and fideli- ones who are outside it, want to get it ty in their relationships. ■ The delicate environment in the oil by all means. There is no doubt that -producing areas should be safe- this attitude has always been and 56. In spite of all the achievements in guarded against pollution; water, the fight against HIV and AIDS, we continues to be the source of conflict soil and air should be protected in and violence since independence. point out some of the challenges that the interest of the lives of the peo- still hamper our effort: ple and other biodiversities in these Social Inequalities ■ Complacency. areas. ■ Cultural and social behavior. 61.1 Uganda is gifted by nature both ■ Infidelity even among married cou- Reconciliation, Justice and in terms of natural and human re- ples. Peace sources. We are convinced that if the resources in our country were evenly ■ Inadequate coverage of HIV and 59. Much has been achieved in this and justly distributed, no individual AIDS services in the country. field, yet much more remains to be or groups would be living in abject done. The Catholic Church in Uganda, poverty. The increasing gap between Development and Poverty Al- in line with the Post-Synodal Exhorta- the rich and poor, if not urgently ad- leviation tion of Pope Benedict XVI, Africae dressed, will continue to ferment a Munus (Africa’s Commitment), in- 57. There is still poverty galore in our form of resentment between the two tends to double her effort in promot- country. The gap between the rich social classes. and the poor is widening as a result of ing reconciliation, justice and peace. inequitable resource distribution. National challenges: Signs of Idolatry of Wealth Oil the times 61.2 We are concerned about the attitude of excessive love for wealth 58. The recent discovery of oil in our 60. Despite our contributions to the and money, which is spreading rap- country is, definitely, a precious gift nation, we recognize that the Catholic idly in our country. This greed or of God to Uganda, for which we must Church is just one of the many stake- attitude is driving many of our peo- be grateful. But the way to use this holders involved in shaping the desti- ple more and more away from God. gift for the common good of all Ugan- ny of our nation. We, therefore, turn dans remains an open challenge. to ongoing problems and challenges The Scourge and evil of cor- Proper and clear steps must be taken: which call for common action and collaboration of all stakeholders, es- ruption ■ The process of oil production, right pecially those exercising the execu- 61.3 In a number of our Pastoral from inception to the final product, tive, legislative and judicial powers in

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as a Christian community, in the evil which befell our country and the problems and threats which still af- fect its well-being and development. 63. When we speak and talk about division, corruption, injustice, vio- lence, tribalism, etc., we do not, and, we should never, forget that those responsible for these evils and for the suffering inflicted on our people were and are Christians. This is unfortu- nate! 64. While celebrating the Eucharist, each one of us is called upon to acknowledge and ask for forgiveness for all sins committed. We share in the guilt and responsibility of the di- vision, injustice and corruption which befell and still affect Uganda because of our own mistakes. Some of these mistakes have come by way of omis- sion expressed at times by our silence and passivism in the political arena. 65. After a season of passionate and active participation of Catholic politi- cians who contributed greatly to the achievement of independence and the early journey of a free Uganda, at a certain stage it looks as if, for differ- Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli, bishop of Lira Diocese ent reasons, we have fallen or with- which is part of Gulu Ecclesiastic Province drawn to the background of public life and leadership of our country. We Letters and Statements, we have al- and entitled than the others. Such would like, therefore, to call upon all ways denounced the evil of corruption attitude has often resulted in tension, Catholics, and, indeed, all Ugandans in public offices which deprive the mutual hatred and resentment. This to engage more actively and construc- citizens of their basic rights to ser- is not only a crime against our fellow tively in the politics and administra- vices. No doubt, corruption has taken human beings, but also against the tion of our country to ensure unity many forms in all walks of life, to the Creator who made us all in his own and development. extent that some people are entangled image (Gen. 2: 26-28). in the vice without fully realizing it. 66. Government on its part should PART THRE endeavor to ensure that representa- tion in the executive, legislative and Instigated conflict and vio- RECONSTRUCTING OUR lence judicial arms of government reflects RUINS: PERSONAL AND and expresses adequately the needs 61.4 As we have noted already, our COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBIL- and aspirations of the people of history as a nation has been tainted by ITY Uganda. conflict and violence. Recently, our country experienced waves of violence Then I said to them, ‘You see the 67. We share these reflections not to which led to loss of life and property. trouble we are in… Come, let us re- launch any political campaign or We remind all the sides involved in build the wall of Jerusalem, and we competition, but to invite everybody such forms of violence that one can will no longer be in disgrace…. They to a greater sense and practice of re- never bring about sustainable peace replied: ‘Let us start rebuilding’ (Neh. sponsibility through active and posi- through violence and injustice. On the 2:17-18). tive participation in the life of our contrary, such approach perpetuates country, at all levels. 62. Mistakes are part of human expe- violence and division. rience and history. They are surely 68. We observe with concern that part of the first 50 years of independ- one of the main reasons that our Tribalism and other sectarian ence of our country. Fortunately, our country has gone through years of tendencies own mistakes can help us to appreci- dictatorship, turmoil and anarchy is 61.5 One of the gifts that God in his ate where we have come from in order that the destiny of our nation had goodness has given to Uganda is the to understand where we are and forge been left in the hands of a few privi- diversity of tribes and cultures. Unfor- a better future. For this to happen, we leged individuals or groups. Our tunately, for the last fifty years, in- must first acknowledge our own mis- stand therefore, is that building a na- stead of using this great gift to foster takes. For us, shepherds of the Catho- tion is a collective responsibility that our country’s growth and transfor- lic Church, to be honest and credible calls for the participation of every mation, we have often turned it into a in our appeal to conversion and citizen. liability. Some groups have tended to change, we humbly acknowledge our 69. In the African lived experience, consider themselves more important responsibility both as individuals and no individual exists for himself or

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herself. Every member of the com- munity lives and exists for the surviv- al of the community, and the commu- nity too takes full responsibility for the individual. 70. As we celebrate and plan for our country’s future, we call upon every Catholic and every citizen of this country to appreciate and embrace his/her own duties and responsibili- ties towards our nation.

Bishops 70.1 Bishops, as shepherds of God’s people, are by virtue of their office, charged with the duty and responsi- bility to teach, sanctify and lead the people of God in the ways of God (Deut. 6:4). Whenever the people turn away from the Truth, bishops wealth and witchcraft. These trends ■ Peace, reconciliation and harmoni- are tasked to call them back. Their and tendencies undermine the digni- ous dialogue among all religious, primary role is to lead the people by ty and purpose of the family. It is our political, social and ethnic groups their example (1 Pt. 5:3) and to be the call, therefore, to all parents to en- in our country. “conscience” of society, pointing out sure that their children are nurtured ■ Freedom of worship and expres- and correcting any behaviour that is with Godly values. sion, with respect for other peo- contrary to the law of God. That is ple’s rights. why, from time to time, bishops come Youth up to guide and advise leaders to fol- ■ Thriving democracy and good gov- low God’s wisdom in their work. 70.5 The future of every nation de- ernance. pends on the quality of its young peo- ■ Special care and support of the vul- Clergy and Religious ple. The youth should also be formed nerable members of our society. to live and socialize globally, without ■ Transparent and accountable lead- 70.2 Both Priests and Religious, by necessarily losing their identity as ership at all levels. virtue of their calling, are expected to Ugandans. The world today needs live exemplary life worthy of their leaders and people who think global- ■ A just nation where resources are vocation (1 Tim. 3: 1-6) for they too ly, but at the same time live and act equitably shared. share in the prophetic mission of the locally. We should therefore form ■ A peaceful, secure and stable coun- Church. young people who are global citizens try. striving to consolidate. ■ Empowered and informed citizens Civic leaders participating effectively in the gov- 70.3 Every authority comes from PART FOUR: ernance of the country. God (Rom. 13:1-3). Therefore, in LOOKING INTO THE ■ Quality education for all. their decisions and actions leaders FUTURE WITH HOPE: ■ Dialogue prevails as means to re- must be motivated by the love of solving differences and conflicts. those put under their care and must OUR ASPIRATIONS seek to promote the common good. ■ A united country where the people 71. I have heard the cry of my people identify with our national values. Indeed, in their leadership, they must (Ex. 3:7). These words addressed by ■ Quality health care for all. consider themselves as custodians of God through to the people of God’s authority to whom at the end Israel oppressed in Egypt, summarize ■ Adequate and effective infrastruc- they must be ready to give accounta- and express the intervention of God tures. bility (Mt. 24:45). in the history of our country. Half a ■ Affordable electricity and clean century ago, God heard and answered water for all. Family the cry of our people longing for in- ■ A healthy environment capable of 70.4 Today, family life in Uganda is dependence. A few years down the sustaining all forms of life. facing a lot of challenges. Some of road, at a difficult juncture in our 73. We are, of course, aware that the these challenges are due to foreign journey, we used the same expression full realization of these aspirations influence and cultures undermining as a title of our Pastoral Letter. will take time and may actually be the cultural and Christian values 72. After this reflection on our past beyond our reach. Therefore, this list which used to hold our families to- and present situation and looking is meant to act as: gether. We can mention here individ- ahead to the future of our country, we ualism, consumerism, homosexuali- ■ reminder and pointer of targets to now share with all the people of ty, lesbianism, materialism, religious be achieved and goals to work to- Uganda our aspirations of the relativism, syncretism and other wards; “Uganda we Want” to see in the com- tendencies. Other challenges are the ■ points on which to keep pushing ing years: heritage of our own traditional cul- our leaders for accountability and tures, such as polygamy, cohabita- ■ A God-loving and God-fearing peo- effective delivery of services; and, tion, elopement, excessive bridal ple and nation.

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As we sing together with all our people: “Oh Uganda, may God uphold Thee”, we hear the echo of the words of Jesus to the man who had been paralyzed for thirty eight years (Jn. 5:8) and ad- dressed by the Second Synod for Africa to the whole conti- nent. Today, the same words apply to our country, now fifty years young: “Uganda, get up… and walk!” In freedom, peace and unity, let us keep walking to- wards the future God has in store for us! Some of the Catholic bishops We commend you and our who wrote this pastoral letter. country to Mary, our Mother, Queen of Africa, and to the PART FIVE: CONCLUSION Bishops on the New Evangelization, intercession of . May in from 7th – 28th October, God bless you, as we all stand togeth- 74. Celebrating the “Golden Jubilee” 2012; er “for God and Our Country”. of our nation is both an opportunity ■ Fifty years since opening of Vatican and a challenge for all of us individu- Council II; and ally and collectively. The shared re- flections in this Pastoral Letter have ■ the beginning of a special “Year of Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, led us to thank God for all the gifts the Faith” on October 11th, 2012. Archbishop of Gulu and Chairman bestowed on us during these first fifty It is not just a chronological coinci- Uganda Episcopal Conference years, to acknowledge and ask for- dence. All these events are a reminder giveness for our mistakes, but above of the renewed call of God for us, his and your shepherds and servants in all to face and welcome the challeng- people, at this crucial moment in the Christ: es and our responsibilities in building history of our country. Archbishop Emeritus of Emmanuel Card. Wamala a more united, peaceful and prosper- ■ Like the universal Church through- , Patron of UEC ous Uganda. The question for each Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana, out the world, we are called to be Joseph A. Zziwa one of us is the same: What can I do, “the salt” and “light” of Uganda V-C/man UEC and what am I going to do for my (Mt. 5:13-14). Our mission is to be Paul K. Bakyenga Archbishop of Mbarara country? “at the service of reconciliation, K. Lwanga Archbishop of Kampala 75. We are in fact at the same time justice and peace” in our nation. Denis Kiwanuka Lote Archbishop of Tororo heirs of the past and people who can We are called to renew and deepen James Odongo Archbishop Emeritus of Tororo shape the future of our nation. Learn- our faith in order to be messengers Henry Ssentongo Bishop of Moroto ing from our past mistakes, we want and instruments of a “new evange- Matthias Ssekamanya Bishop of Lugazi to build a better Uganda than we are lization” of our people and cultures. Deogratias Byabazaire Bishop of Hoima in now. This is the best gift and contribu- Egidio Nkaijanabwo Bishop of Kasese tion we can give to our country. Bishop of Masaka We now specially pray that all our 77. We are, of course, aware that; if Robert Muhiirwa Bp of Fort-Portal political leaders, regardless of their the Lord does not build the house, its Callistus Rubaramira Bishop of Kabale affiliation, may join hands and learn builders labour in vain… (Ps. 127:1). Charles M. Wamika Bishop of Jinja to collaborate even more for the com- Praying for our country is an act of Giuseppe Franzelli Bishop of Lira mon good of all the citizens of Ugan- love, a concrete sign of authentic pat- Sabino Odoki Bishop of Arua da. riotism, a duty for every Christian. Emmanuel Obbo Bishop of Soroti 76. The celebration of the Golden We, therefore, invite all of you to join Paul Ssemogerere Bishop of Kasana-Luweero Jubilee of Uganda’s independence is us in prayer. We can do this in our Giuseppe Filippi Bishop of Kotido marked by the happy and providen- own words, personally, in our fami- Sanctus Linus Wanok Bishop of Nebbi tial coincidence of three important lies, communities and churches. The Auxiliary Bp of Mbarara, Lambert Bainomugisha events in the life of the Catholic liturgy offers us this invocation which Apost. Admin. of Hoima Church: we invite you to share: Auxiliary Bishop of Kampala Joseph Mugenyi Sabiiti Auxiliary Bp of Fort-Portal ■ the pastoral implementation of the God our Father, You guide every- Edward M. Baharagate Bishop Emeritus of Hoima guidelines handed down to us from thing in wisdom and love. the Second Special Assembly of the Accept the prayers we offer for our John B. Kakubi Bishop Emeritus of Mbarara Synod of the Bishops on Africa nation, Uganda; Halem’Imana Bishop Emeritus of Kabale through the Post-Synodal Apostol- by the wisdom of our leaders and the Paul Kalanda Bishop Emeritus of Fort-Portal ic Exhortation Africae Munus integrity of our citizens, Robert Gay Bishop Emeritus of Kabale (Africa’s Commitment) of Pope may harmony and justice be secured Erasmus D. Wandera Bishop Emeritus of Soroti Benedict XVI; and may there be lasting prosperity Joseph Oyanga Bishop Emeritus of Lira Frederick Drandua Bishop Emeritus of Arua ■ the celebration of the Synod of and peace. Amen. Martin Luluga Bishop Emeritus of Nebbi October/November 2012 8 Arua Diocese Bulletin