Los Angeles, USA – The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, has urged Ugandans living in the diaspora to “choose a winning team” by following the path of Jesus Christ, just as the Uganda Martyrs did.
Bishop Eciru made the call while presiding over the belated Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations organized by the Uganda Catholic Community in Los Angeles (UCCLA) on June 15, 2025.
The special Mass drew hundreds of Ugandans from across the United States, who gathered to reflect on the life, faith, and sacrifice of the 22 Catholic martyrs of Uganda, canonized in 1964 for their unwavering stand for Christianity.
In his homily, Bishop Eciru reminded the congregation that the Uganda Martyrs chose the winning team, (Jesus Christ) despite knowing the suffering and death that awaited them.
“The Uganda Martyrs were not ignorant of what was to come. They knew what choosing Christ meant, and yet they made that choice,” he said.
“They chose the winning team, and I encourage all of you to do the same in your daily lives here in the diaspora.”
The bishop’s message resonated deeply with the faithful, many of whom face the challenge of maintaining their religious identity and values while living abroad.
“Let the Church Not Die in Your Hands”
Rt. Rev. Eciru emphasized that the future of the Church lies in the hands of the lay faithful, and that each person must take responsibility to keep the faith alive and active.
“The Church is in your hands. It must not die in your hands,” he cautioned. “Do not be passive Christians. Live your faith boldly, pass it on to your children, and take up roles in the Church to ensure it remains vibrant.”
He challenged the Ugandan community abroad to resist the wave of secularism that often draws people away from active participation in Church life, and to be intentional about keeping their faith alive.
As part of his pastoral message, Bishop Eciru encouraged the diaspora faithful to honor the Uganda Martyrs not only through prayer and celebration but also through personal devotion.
“Have portraits of the Uganda Martyrs in your homes. Let their image be a daily reminder of the price they paid for the faith you and I celebrate today,” he said.
He called on families to tell the stories of the martyrs to their children and to keep their legacy alive in their homes and communities.
Reflecting on the deeper meaning of martyrdom, Bishop Eciru reminded the faithful that while physical martyrdom may not be expected of every Christian today, each believer is called to spiritual martyrdom and personal holiness.
“Martyrdom is not just about dying for Christ; it is about living for Christ daily, in holiness,” he said. “Holiness is the ultimate goal for each of us, and we must strive for it wherever we are.”
He encouraged the Ugandans in America to live holy lives rooted in prayer, acts of charity, and integrity, noting that holiness is the clearest path to eternal victory.
The bishop also used the occasion to urge the diaspora community to express gratitude to God for the gift of faith brought through the sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs.
He encouraged them to thank God for the martyrs’ courage and the Church’s continued growth in Uganda and beyond.
“Be grateful to the Uganda Martyrs for accepting to welcome the Christian faith. It is a gift we must not take for granted,” he added.
The belated Uganda Martyrs Day celebration in Los Angeles was marked with music, dance, and vibrant liturgy that reflected the unique heritage and resilience of the Ugandan Catholic community abroad.
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