The theme for the 2025 celebration is drawn from the diocesan vision: “Oh Lord, Let Me See Again” (Mark 10:51). This theme is a call for the faithful to open their spiritual eyes, deepen their faith, and renew their commitment to Christ.
Lugazi Diocese Celebration – February 23, 2025: A Gathering of Faith and Heritage
On February 23, 2025, Lugazi Diocese will hold a grand celebration, bringing together thousands of the faithful to commemorate a significant event in the Catholic Church. This celebration will be a moment of deep spiritual reflection, unity, and thanksgiving.
The Two Bishops: Leading the Faithful
Lugazi Diocese has been blessed with strong leadership. The diocese’s founding bishop, Rt. Rev. Mathias Ssekamanya, served with dedication, laying a strong spiritual and administrative foundation. The current bishop, Rt. Rev. Christopher Kakooza, has continued this legacy, promoting evangelization, social development, and faith formation within the diocese. His leadership has strengthened the Catholic community in Lugazi, making the 2025 celebration a significant milestone in the diocese’s journey.
The Theme of the Celebration
The theme for the 2025 celebration is drawn from the diocesan vision: “Oh Lord, Let Me See Again” (Mark 10:51). This theme is a call for the faithful to open their spiritual eyes, deepen their faith, and renew their commitment to Christ. Just as Bartimaeus, the blind man, called upon Jesus for healing, the faithful are encouraged to seek spiritual renewal, wisdom, and clarity in their journey of faith. The celebration will serve as a reminder to see the world through the lens of faith, recognizing the presence of Christ in everyday life, in service to others, and in the mission of the Church.
Why Faithful Should Attend
The Lugazi Diocesan celebration is an opportunity for spiritual renewal, cultural enrichment, and communal worship. Pilgrims and faithful from different parts of Uganda will gather to:
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Receive blessings and spiritual nourishment from their shepherds.
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Experience unity and fellowship with fellow Catholics.
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Participate in special prayers, Masses, and Eucharistic celebrations.
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Learn about the rich history and religious significance of Lugazi.
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Engage in faith-based discussions, charity events, and networking opportunities.
Live Celebration of the Diocesan Day
The Event will be streamed Live on a number of catholic channels and will be broadcast live on this website and also made available as pre record video.
Special Features of Lugazi Diocese
Lugazi is a diocese rich in religious and historical significance. It is home to numerous Catholic institutions, vibrant parishes, and committed clergy who continue to evangelize and serve the people. Special features of Lugazi include:
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Education and Social Services: The diocese runs schools, hospitals, and social welfare projects that uplift communities.
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Pilgrimage Sites: The region boasts several religious sites that attract pilgrims and devotees.
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Strong Lay Apostolate: Active participation of lay movements, youth groups, and Catholic organizations has strengthened evangelization efforts.
Religious and Historical Sites in Lugazi
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Lugazi is home to several religious and historical sites that hold deep significance for Ugandan Catholics:
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Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral, Lugazi: The mother church of the diocese and the spiritual heart of the region.
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Namugongo Martyrs Shrine: Though located outside Lugazi, this shrine has strong connections with Catholic dioceses, including Lugazi, as it honors the Ugandan Martyrs.
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Bishop’s Residence and Pastoral Center: A place for spiritual retreats, leadership meetings, and faith formation activities.
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Various Marian Grottos and Prayer Centers: These serve as pilgrimage destinations for personal reflection and communal prayers.
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The Importance of Lugazi Diocese in Uganda
Lugazi Diocese plays a critical role in Uganda’s Catholic Church by:
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Providing spiritual leadership and evangelization in the region: The diocese serves over 1.2 million Catholics, with more than 50 parishes and hundreds of clergy members and catechists actively engaging in evangelization and pastoral care.
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Supporting education and healthcare, benefiting thousands of Ugandans: The diocese oversees over 100 Catholic schools, educating more than 50,000 students annually. It also manages several hospitals and health centers, providing essential medical services to the community.
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Promoting vocational training and youth empowerment initiatives: Lugazi Diocese runs technical training institutes and vocational programs, equipping over 5,000 youth each year with skills for employment and self-reliance.
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Strengthening the faith through catechism programs and community outreach: Through catechism classes and lay movements, the diocese has trained over 10,000 catechists who lead faith formation programs in schools, parishes, and rural areas.
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Contributing to the nation’s moral and ethical development through Catholic teachings: The diocese actively participates in national moral guidance initiatives, advocating for social justice, family values, and ethical leadership within Uganda.