Faith and Unity Mark the Catholic Jubilee Year in Tororo
Christians from the Archdiocese of Tororo celebrated the Catholic Jubilee Year (2025) with a significant pilgrimage of faith to the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Munyonyo. The event, held on November 8, 2025, was presided over by the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tororo, the Most Rev. Dr Emmanuel Obbo. The gathering attracted prominent Christians from the region, including Ambassador Bernadette Olowo-Freers, deputy head of public service Dr Theopista Mary Wenene, and National Council for Higher Education executive director Prof. Mary Okwakol.
As part of the pilgrimage, the Tororo pilgrims, led by Archbishop Obbo, walked in procession from the lower end of the shrine to the Minor Basilica. They then passed through the Basilica’s Door of Mercy (the main entrance) before participating in the Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass. This symbolic act reinforced the spiritual significance of the occasion.
One of the highlights of the event was a surprise wedding officiated by Archbishop Obbo. He married two youthful members of the Tororo Archdiocese Development Association of the Laity (TADAL), Paul Dickson Elibu and Veronica Asekenye. Dickson is a member of the TADAL choir, while Veronica serves as secretary of the association’s SACCO. The couple became the first TADAL members to wed during this jubilee celebration.
Dr Henry Nakalet Opolot, the reigning chairman of TADAL, highlighted the significance of the wedding, stating it was proof that the association was achieving holistic development. He later announced several other couples who would be married before the end of the year, indicating the growing sense of community and commitment within the organization.
Archbishop Obbo’s Message of Unity and Support
During his homily at the Mass, Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo urged the Catholic faithful from his archdiocese to strengthen their unity and commitment to the Church. He also called on them to contribute more funds towards the renovation and redevelopment of St Anthony’s Hospital in Tororo.
“St. Anthony’s Hospital is a regional hospital, but it had declined tremendously. Everywhere I went during my pastoral visits, the Christians would petition me to redevelop the facility. So far, we have done good work. Many mothers who want to deliver babies now come to St Anthony’s Hospital. Very soon, we shall open the facility’s OPD. Thank you for your disposition to the archdiocese. The people at home regard you highly. They see you as a parish,” said Archbishop Obbo.
Dr Obbo expressed gratitude to the Christians and other people of goodwill for their generous financial contributions, which have enabled the hospital’s renovation works to progress steadily. His message emphasized the importance of community support in maintaining and improving essential services.
Celebrating Together: Concelebrants and Their Roles
The Mass was concelebrated by several clergy members, including the chaplain of TADAL, Fr Phillip Odii, the pastoral coordinator of Tororo Archdiocese Fr Michael Kibiye, the diocesan chaplain of the Lay Apostolate Fr Gaetano Ochieng, and the liturgical master of ceremonies Fr Brian Kibuku. Their collective presence underscored the collaborative spirit of the event.
Preparing for the Future: Plans for a Synod
Speaking during the same function, Fr Michael Kibiye, the pastoral coordinator, revealed that plans were underway for the archdiocese to hold a synod. He mentioned that the last synod took place in 2000, during the episcopal reign of Archbishop James Odongo (RIP). Questionnaires would be distributed to Christians to seek their views on improving pastoral services in the archdiocese.
“It is now 25 years since we last had a synod. Many things have changed since then. We need to analyse the present situation and see where we are doing well and where we have to do better as we do the mission of Jesus in this digital era,” said Kibiye.
This initiative reflects the archdiocese’s commitment to adapting to modern challenges while staying true to its spiritual mission.
A Celebration of Faith and Community
The events of the Catholic Jubilee Year in Tororo not only highlighted the deep faith of the local community but also demonstrated their collective efforts in supporting religious and social initiatives. From the symbolic pilgrimage to the joyous weddings and the discussions about future synods, the celebrations reflected a vibrant and active church community.