Gulu archdiocese Africanises charismatic renewal convention

_________________

The weeklong Catholic Charismatic Renewal Golden Jubilee Convention that climaxed at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo (in Wakiso District) showcased awesome episodes.

Interesting spectacles manifested even more lavishly during the Eucharistic celebration on Thursday (July 4, 2024). The mass was animated by members of the Charismatic Renewal Movement from the Catholic Ecclesiastical Province of Gulu, (which comprises Gulu Archdiocese and the suffragan dioceses of Arua, Nebbi and Lira).

Christians perfoming a traditional dance during the offertory procession. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Probably the most awesome aspect of the day’s liturgy was its flamboyant display of inculturation or Africanization of divine worship. The Christians used traditional African symbols to bring out the respective messages during the progression of mass. They spiced the liturgy with typical traditional African music and dance. Namugongo shrine was consequently filled with an atmosphere of celebration/jubilation.

The head of the Catholic laity in Uganda, Gervase Ndyanabo delivering his speech. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The mass was presided over by the Vice-Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (who is also the Bishop of Lira diocese), the Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok, who asked members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal to preach the Gospel of Jesus with even greater dynamism.

“Today we have many challenges that threaten our faith. Many people, especially in the western world, no longer think about God. They also don’t obey His teachings. They have put all their trust in science and technology. They no longer see the relevancy of religion. They think artificial intelligence can provide them with all the answers they need. They are now even questioning God’s plan for humanity.

They argue that it is okay for a man to marry a fellow man and a woman to marry a fellow woman. They are pushing for a culture of self-discovery. We need modern prophets who like the Propjet Amos, are ready to go out and proclaim God’s message. We must go out of our comfortable zones and take the loving mercy of Jesus to the people. That is what it means to “put into the deep.”

The convention climaxed with a Pontifical mass celebrated by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere on Saturday (July 6, 2024).