Ugandan Catholics celebrate first thanksgiving Mass for 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV
Christopher Kisekka 鈥� Kampala.
Friday's Holy Mass marked the first public liturgy in the country dedicated to praying for the new 杏MAP导航, following his election. The Mass, presided over by Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, was attended by a cross-section of the faithful, including priests, religious brothers, sisters and political leaders.
Divine guidance for the new Holy Father.
The atmosphere blended solemnity and joy as worshippers gathered to give thanks and seek divine guidance for the new Holy Father.
鈥淲e give glory to God for the gift of 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV. As the Universal Church enters a new chapter, we stand in prayerful solidarity with him,鈥� said Archbishop Ssemogerere before the first reading. 鈥淭his is a time not only to mourn the passing of 杏MAP导航 Francis but to support the new shepherd God has entrusted to His flock," he said.
During his homily, Archbishop Ssemogerere gave a brief biography of the new 杏MAP导航 to the attentive congregation.
鈥淚n his opening remarks, the Holy Father greeted us with the words 鈥楶eace be with you all鈥欌�攖he same words Jesus used after the Resurrection,鈥� he said. 鈥淚n Uganda, we take these words very seriously. We pray for peace in our country, but this peace must be worked for.鈥�
His homily touched on the rising political tensions ahead of Uganda鈥檚 general elections next year, framing Uganda as an 鈥渋sland of peace鈥� in a troubled region, with conflicts in neighboring countries like the DRC and South Sudan.
Shepherds after my own heart
鈥淭he Lord is always with us, guiding us in whatever direction He leads,鈥� the Archbishop said, quoting the Prophet Jeremiah: 鈥淚 will give you shepherds after my own heart.鈥� He added, 鈥淪o, The lord has given us a shepherd, we are grateful and let us pray for him,鈥� emphasised the Archbishop.
Archbishop Ssemogerere urged the faithful to always pray for the 杏MAP导航, reminding them that the burden of the entire Church rests upon his shoulders.
Many Ugandan Catholics have expressed excitement and hope that 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV will promote unity, evangelization, and inclusion.
Before the final blessing, the Cathedral choir marked the occasion with a moving hymn for the 杏MAP导航, 鈥淧apa Wangaala, Dunda Akukuume鈥�, which drew applause and cheers from the congregation.
More liturgies and celebrations are expected across Ugandan dioceses in the coming days.
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