Lugazi Diocese unveils 500-strong choir for Martyrs Day
Fr Mugabo said the choir members had been selected from all 34 parishes of Lugazi Diocese and had undergone a year-long training process.
Fr. Mugabo (right) addressing the choir members camped at St. Anthony of Padua Kasangalabi on Saturday, May 31. (Photos by Henry Nsubuga)
By Henry Nsubuga
Journalists @New Vision
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Lugazi Diocese has unveiled a 500-member choir set to animate the Mass for the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo on Tuesday, 3rd June.
On Saturday, May 31, Fr Deogratious Mugabo, speaking on behalf of the Lugazi Diocesan Vicar General, Msgr Richard Kayondo, addressed the choir ahead of their departure from St Anthony of Padua Kasangalabi Parish in Mukono Central Division, Mukono Municipality, where they had camped for several days of intensive training.
Fr Mugabo said the choir members had been selected from all 34 parishes of Lugazi Diocese and had undergone a year-long training process.
“We started training from our different parishes; later on, we had indoor training which brought together all the members from every parish, including Koome and Buvuma in the islands,” he said.
He noted that this will be the second time Lugazi Diocese is animating the pilgrimage at Namugongo, the first having been in 2004.
“Though we also did well in 2004, given the technology today, we are going to exhibit our best as far as church music is concerned.”
Fr Mugabo urged choir members to be mindful of their personal conduct at Namugongo, stressing the importance of staying together as a group and avoiding distractions.
Fr. Mugabo blessing the choir members before they set off to Namugongo on Saturday.
“You are also pilgrims like the rest, and being choir members, you have a different responsibility which you must fulfil for the well-being of this big day. For those who cannot sleep without taking a bottle of alcohol, try your level best to leave without it for the remaining days,” he said.
He also advised them not to wander away from their designated camping areas in search of friends from other dioceses.
Ivan Mitala, vice chairperson of the Lugazi Diocesan Choir, said the team had undergone the best possible training and was confident they would deliver an excellent performance.
The group, led by the head of transport, Fr Lawrence Tamale, travelled by several buses to Namugongo on Saturday afternoon from Mukono.