Following the release of Pope Francis’ travel itinerary by the Holy See in Rome, the conference of Catholic Bishops in Uganda has issued guidelines which believers should follow to ensure the success of the Papal visit.
Speaking at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat (UCC) in Nsambya, Archbishop of Kampala on Monday, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, encouraged Catholics to recite daily prayers after Mass.
“They should recite Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father, and engage in charitable activities, penance, seek reconciliation and care for the needy.”
Devout Catholics were also encouraged to care for the environment, which is in line with the Pope’s aspirations, and to avoid sinful acts, like polygamy, domestic violence, and witchcraft.
The Catholic Church has also embarked on the accreditation process of Christians who will attend the Pope Francis’s visit.
Kampala Archbishop Lwanga says though the public will be allowed to attend, those who will be close to the Pope must be accredited and screened.
Arch-Bishop Lwanga says each diocese has been given a specific number of Christians including the youth, catechists and teachers who will be able allowed to meet the pope.
Meanwhile, construction works at Namugongo martyrs shrine is on course and will be complete before the Holy Father jets in.
Archbishop Lwanga confirmed that the construction received a boost from the government which has eased their work.
Meanwhile Archbishop Michael Blume, the Papal Nuncio in Uganda, asked Ugandans to use this time to pray for peace and prepare themselves spiritually.
On his first visit to Africa, the Pope is expected to arrive at Entebbe from Nairobi at 4:00pm on November 27th and depart on 29th for the Central African Republic.
The Vicar of Christ will visit State House Entebbe for a meeting with the President; Muyonyo, the Anglican and Catholic Shrines in Namugongo.
He will also have a meeting with the youth at Kololo Independence Grounds, and visit a Church-run charity home in Nalukolongo.
In all these places, Pope Francis will pronounce Homilies, which are religious discourses on spiritual edification.
Story By Herbert Zziwa & Gillian Nantume
