EDITOR
Hundreds of Christians from Rushoroza Parish and neighboring communities on Sunday thronged Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral for the Solemn Mass of the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Mass was led by His Grace John Baptist Odama, Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese, who is currently on a nationwide pastoral tour of Catholic dioceses in Uganda.
The Diocese of Kabale expressed deep gratitude for hosting the Archbishop, who is championing devotion to the Uganda Martyrs—particularly Blessed Daudi Okello, Blessed Jildo Irwa, and Blessed Joseph Ambrosoli.
Delivering a powerful homily, Archbishop Odama urged Christians to wisely use their God-given gifts, reminding the faithful that talents are responsibilities meant for service to others. He stressed that every believer will one day account for how they used their gifts and should therefore continually seek God’s wisdom.
He further cautioned the wealthy against exploiting the poor, urging them instead to treat all people with dignity as brothers and sisters made in God’s image. He encouraged honesty, faithfulness, and integrity in business, workplaces, and communities as a genuine reflection of God’s presence in daily life.
The Archbishop also warned against relying on material wealth, calling on the faithful to dedicate themselves fully to Christ and focus on eternal life, inspired by the example of the Uganda Martyrs.
He highlighted the witness of Blessed catechists Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, who were martyred for their faith in the early 20th century and beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2002, alongside the extraordinary service of Blessed Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli, beatified in 2022 for his mission to the sick and poor.
In his closing message, Archbishop Odama invited Christians to pray for the canonization of these three servants of God, so they may one day be declared saints. He encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast, live in unity, and radiate Christ’s love in their daily lives—drawing inspiration from the sacrifice and courage of the Uganda Martyrs.
