The Bishops who started by reflecting on their weeklong visit in their Easter Pastoral Message issued on Saturday, April 4, said that they had the opportunity to present the report on the state of the Church in Uganda to the Holy Father and assured him of their collegiality and continued prayers for his ministry and the universal Church.
“In our visit with the Pope, he expressed his appreciation for God’s grace active in the Ministry of the Catholic Church in Uganda,” the Bishops said in the statement that their chairman, Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, signed.
They added, in reference to the Holy Father, “He was particularly pleased with the growth of the Catholic Church in Uganda and the increased number of the clergy and religious men and women, and the zealous commitment of the laity to the development and growth of the Church. He bestowed his Apostolic Blessing on Uganda and her people.”
The Bishops explained that the message of the Pope was re-echoed by the Dicasteries of the Holy See as they too commended the good work of the church in Uganda and prayed for her continued growth.
The Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, Latin for “to the thresholds of the Apostles”, is a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church.
It requires Diocesan bishops from around the world to travel periodically to Rome to pray at the tombs of the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, renew their communion with the Pope, and present detailed reports on the pastoral life of their Dioceses.
In their closing Mass for the visit on March 22, the Bishops praised the country’s community in Rome, which includes those pursuing further studies and workers at the Ugandan Embassy, as an integral part of the local Church.
In his speech after the closing Mass, the UEC chairman told the community that gathered, “The Conference considers you an integral part of the Church community back in Uganda.”
“We therefore come today before you in the spirit of solidarity and unity of that one Church,” Bishop Zziwa said, and added, “We thank you, especially the students who are here, brothers and sisters and Priests.”
Bishop Zziwa expressed gratitude for the contributions of Ugandans in Rome, thanking them for representing the Catholic Church in Uganda and for their prayers and support for pastoral work.
Also speaking at the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Uganda’s Ambassador to Italy, highlighted the vital role of the ecclesiastical community as faithful collaborators with the Embassy.
Elizabeth Paula Napeyok noted that regular interactions throughout the year have strengthened mutual understanding, allowing both the Embassy and the community to recognize their collective strengths.
“We meet maybe three times a year, and we know each other quite well. We know our strong points, and we know our strengths as well,” Ms. Napeyok said, and added, “You have sent really good people here and we are sure that they are going to serve our country well.”