Spectacles that coloured the Charismatic Renewal Golden Jubilee Convention

________________

The week-long national convention of the Uganda Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement that has been taking place at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo (in Wakiso district) is now closed. The concluding ceremony on Saturday (July 6) was presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kampala, the Most Rev Paul Ssemogerere.

Heavenly Spectacles

Inspite of the heavy morning downpour, the grand climax of the golden jubilee of the Uganda Catholic Charismatic Renewal did not lose its beauty.

Even as waters dropped from the heavens, members of the renewal movement marched around the martyrs’ lake in celebration of their great event. They played vuvuzelas, chanted charismatic choruses and waved flags as they marched in celebration.

The presence of 600 red-stole-donning priests from the 6^th international priests’ retreat (which has been taking place at St Mary’s National Seminary Ggaba) also enhanced the beauty of the celebration.

Highlights

As one of the highlights of the celebration, Archbishop Ssemogerere commissioned the Committee for the construction of the “Charisma Tower,” the proposed 8-storey building that will serve as the headquarters and monument of the golden jubilee of the Uganda Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement. The committee is headed by Engineer Pius Okong.

Messages

Speaking to thousands of members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement who graced the closing ceremony, the visiting Canadian Prelate and Retreat Preacher, the Most Rev Scott McCaig called upon all members of the Catholic Church to embrace and take active participation in the work of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement.

“Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement is not for a few people but for all of us. God calls on all of us to be baptized in the Holy Spirit,” the white bearded Prelate stressed.

The visiting Canadian Prelate, the Most Rev. Scott McCaig giving his remarks. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The Metropolitan Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere spoke highly of the dynamic evangelistic ministry of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement describing it as “very impactful.”

“We thank God for the gift of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and its various ministries which have helped many people to develop a closer relationship with Jesus and also, to experience deeply the gifts of the Holy Spirit. You members of the Catholic Renewal movement have really made an impact in communities, the Church and the country.”

“Your behavior, your strong faith and conviction has impacted believers spiritually and morally. Since the renewal movement is not only for the clergy and the religious men and women but even more so for the laity, it has shown that yes, the laity can carry on the mission of evangelization very effectively. We thank the Holy Spirt for allowing you and showing this to us. Each person in their unique own unique way can contribute to the growth of the Church. I thank you and pledge my prayers for you,” Ssemogerere said.

The weeklong prayer convention attracted thousands of members of the renewal movement from 29 countries according to the report of the national coordinator of the Uganda Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement, Robert Tumuhimbise.