In a show of faith, unity, and spiritual growth, the youth of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Parish in Dakabela, under Soroti Catholic Diocese, embarked on a transformative pilgrimage to the Namugongo Catholic Shrine on May 12th. Their journey, marked by joy, reflection, and spiritual empowerment, culminated in a special honor: animating the afternoon pilgrimage Mass at one of Uganda’s most revered religious sites.
This pilgrimage was not merely a trip it was a testament to the dedication and spiritual vigor of a growing youth community determined to deepen their faith. A total of 45 young pilgrims made the journey from Soroti to Namugongo, driven by a shared mission to strengthen their relationship with God and connect more deeply with the broader Catholic Church.
At the heart of this inspiring journey was Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket, parish priest of the most holy name of Jesus. According to the parish youth chairperson, Mr. Charles Opolot, Fr. Ajoket played a monumental role in bringing the pilgrimage to life.
“We truly thank Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket for being a brilliant man of God,” Charles shared. “He not only supported us spiritually and financially but also used his connections to secure us the opportunity to animate the Mass at the shrine. Without his dedication, this dream would have remained just a dream.”
Mr. Opolot emphasized that Fr. Ajoket was responsible for about 98% of the entire pilgrimage organization. From delivering Sunday announcements across all zones in the parish to directly coordinating with the Shrine’s administration, his commitment was evident at every stage.
The highlight of the day was the afternoon Mass, which the Dakabela youth animated with passion and reverence. They led the liturgical songs and offered prayers with other faithful who had come to the Shrine that day.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket urged the faithful to remain grounded in the Word of God, especially during politically charged seasons like election campaigns. His sermon called for discernment, integrity, and the importance of making decisions guided by Christian values.
“Let the Word of God be your compass,” he told the youth and pilgrims in attendance. “In a world full of noise and confusion, it is the Scripture that will guide your hearts and minds.”
Rev. Fr. Vincent Lubega, the Director of Namugongo Shrine, also shared a powerful message with the Dakabela youth pilgrims. He encouraged them to use this visit as a turning point in their lives.
“Coming to Namugongo is not just about walking on holy ground,” he said. “It is about returning home as a changed person. Leave behind the things that weigh you down. Embrace hope, and let this be a new beginning.”
Beyond the spiritual experience, the visit to Namugongo also inspired environmental awareness among the youth. Observing the lush greenery and serene surroundings of the Shrine, Mr. Opolot encouraged his fellow youths to initiate tree planting projects in their own parish.
“We were amazed by how cool and clean the environment at Namugongo was,” he said. “As youth of Dakabela, we can replicate that beauty. Let’s begin planting trees around our churches and homes, it is part of our stewardship.”
He also used the moment to advise other youths within the Soroti Diocese to consider organizing similar trips, highlighting the power of such journeys to open minds and hearts to new experiences and deeper faith.
The success of the Namugongo pilgrimage has sparked renewed enthusiasm among the Dakabela youth. Many have testified to the impact of the experience, citing a stronger sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of their faith, and a closer bond with their fellow pilgrims.
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