There is tension among Catholic faithful in Lira diocese following the cancellation of an earlier planned pilgrimage to Minakulu parish for the martyrs’ day celebration.
The diocese had prepared for the celebrations at the martyrs’ cathedral Minakulu in Oyam District with clearance from Uganda Episcopal Conference.
However, barely two days before the celebrations, the Diocese has announced the cancellation of the program. Foot pilgrims who had already left their parishes for Minakulu have been asked to walk back home.
Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of Lira Catholic Diocese, says that the pilgrimage to Minakulu has been cancelled. He says that in their arrangements if they are to move from one point to another, it would be difficult to follow the SOPs.
Mildred Ikeo, the Foot pilgrim general Secretary for Lira Diocese, says that although she was disappointed by the news, she is hopeful that God will listen to their prayers so that the national celebration can be held at Namugongo.
Isaac Newton Odoc, the program coordinator in Minakulu parish, says it was an abrupt notice. He was, however, quick to acknowledge that the new directive will protect them from contracting the virus.
Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police Spoken advised the Christians to pray from the places of their convenience, saying police will arrest those fund crowding.
