On 7th Sept 2022, the Legion of Mary movement concluded its centennial celebrations, marking 100 years since it was founded. In Uganda, the celebrations were held throughout the 4 Ecclesiastical Provinces and 19 Dioceses for twelve months; from September 2021- September 2022. Kotido Diocese hosted the celebrations and the Eucharistic celebration was led by the ordinary Bishop of Kotido, Rt. Rev. Giuseppe Filippi. The joyful ululations and graceful dances during the Mass symbolized a new zeal in this part of the Country well known for bloodshed, grinding poverty, wanton violence and hunger. The sight of women draped in blue African fabrics with pictures of the Virgin Mary printed on them, arriving for mass in humble strides, settling to recite the rosary as others went for confessions heralded a new dawn of growing faith in Karamoja.
Lighting the centennial candle in the Cathedral invoked hope and joy. Joy that the Church has made considerable strides in evangelizing a tribe that many Ugandans consider backward and therefore, “won’t wait for Karamoja to develop.’
The women who have been the custodians of shrines from which libations for violence are drawn were now reciting the Catena. Perhaps, Karamoja needs this spirit most. The diocese of Kotido has only 3 Curiae; Abim Curia, Gangmin Curia and Kaabong Curia. This may seem a small Legion but it could be the mustard seed required to win more souls for Christ.
The Bishop of Kotido is very hopeful, he stated that “as Mary pleaded in Cana- do something for the people.” In the same way, Mary is telling us, the followers of Jesus, ‘ to do something for the people, bring joy to the community and bring joy to those that have no joy. Bring and give your support so that nothing may fail in humanity, in your family, in your society. Be a source of energy, a source of commitment. Give what you have and make sure your brothers and sisters rejoice so that you are able to rejoice with them. Mary is saying, service is a joyful action for the joy of all.
He added that, “in everything, you sow little seed but at the end of the season, you collect plenty. Karamoja is at the stage of sowing. The seeds are few but we believe by the good example of those who are engaged, little by little, these few seeds may become a good crop. Everything is like that- starts small and then grows with the help of God and the Holy Spirit.
Bishop Damiano Guzzetti of Moroto Diocese added that Legion of Mary and the entire Church can bring joy into any situation.
The concluding remark captured in the Centennial souvenir magazine makes a profound call to members of the apostolate to reflect and act upon the theme of celebrations to: “Remember, Renew, Rejoice and Recruit”. The urgency of this invitation resonated well with the perfect timing of the celebrations in Kotido Diocese.
The President Senatus of Uganda, Susan Mary Nsubuga, in her message, published in the centennial souvenir magazine, said that the year-long celebrations was a moment of thanks giving to God and to the blessed Virgin Mary for the millions of graces they have showered upon the Apostolate since the foundation of the Legion of Mary.
Although the Covid- 19 pandemic adversely affected the activities of the Legion of Mary, the testimonies during these times affirm that Mother Mary’s Son is in control. The joy of achieving this milestone is seen as an appeal to all that our duty is to hold first on to our Queen and pray ceaselessly.
