Kabale Diocese celebrated a historic milestone with the opening of its first Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Centre at Our Lady of Fatima, Makiro Parish Church, in Kanungu District.
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the Principal Door of the church was solemnly opened, welcoming pilgrims from the eight parishes of Makiro Deanery to walk through and obtain a plenary indulgence.
The event marked a significant moment in the Catholic Church’s ongoing Jubilee Year celebrations, declared by Pope Francis under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”. The Catholic Church commemorates a Jubilee Year every 25 years, emphasizing pilgrimage, penance, charity, and renewal of faith.
During the Mass celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday, Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, Vicar General of Kabale Diocese, officiated the opening of the Holy Door. He praised the Deanery leadership for successfully implementing Jubilee Year activities, including charity programs, hymn competitions, and pilgrimages.
He emphasized the importance of preparing spiritually through the Sacrament of Penance to fully receive God’s mercy.
Fr. Gerald Abenayezu, Parish Priest of Makiro, expressed gratitude for Makiro Deanery being chosen as the first pilgrimage destination in the diocese. He thanked the Diocesan leadership, particularly the Pastoral Coordinator, for their spiritual and organizational support.
Fr. Justus Kiiza, Dean of Makiro Deanery and Parish Priest of Nyamwegabira, commended the priests and laity for their cooperation and celebrated the strong turnout for the pilgrimage. He congratulated Kambuga Parish for winning the Jubilee Year Hymn competition with an impressive score of 93%.
Zepher Mugisha, Chairperson of the Laity Council and Assistant RDC for Kanungu District, applauded the pilgrims’ dedication during the three-day event and recognized Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, for his unwavering support.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Baryomunsi congratulated Makiro Deanery for achieving this historic honor and called for continued unity beyond liturgical celebrations. He encouraged the Deanery leadership to formulate a strategic development plan focusing on education, health, and socio-economic projects.
He also pledged major contributions: $3,000 towards the Deanery welfare fund, $3,000 for the construction of a theater ward at Nyamwegabira Health Centre, and 16 million UGX (2 million for each parish) to support Catechists’ welfare.
Furthermore, he promised to coordinate with the Uganda Communications Commission to improve Radio Maria Kabale’s coverage across the Diocese.
Fr. Fidel Ndagijimana, the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, thanked all departments, especially Communication, Family, and Radio Maria teams, for supporting Jubilee activities. He recognized the dedication of pilgrims and laity who engaged in Jubilee Year charity work, reaching out to prisoners and hospital patients during Lent.
Fr. Ndagijimana also celebrated the vibrant participation in the Jubilee Year Hymn Competitions:
- St. John the Baptist Kambuga Parish Choir won the parish category.
- Bishop Comboni College Kambuga topped the secondary schools.
- Bishop Mazzoldi Primary School Kanungu led the primary school category.
Each participating parish and school choir received a certificate of participation, presented by Msgr. Sunday on behalf of the Bishop of Kabale Diocese.
The opening of Makiro Parish as a Pilgrimage Centre symbolizes a renewed spirit of faith, hope, and charity across Kabale Diocese as Christians journey together as true “Pilgrims of Hope.
