“I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.” Amen. Allow me to start this reflection on the journey to holiness with the profession of our faith. This profession of faith in the Apostles creed brings us to light that we are among the numbers of the Holy nation. How possible is this, someone may ask? It is very possible because we are universally human; that is, we live for one another rather than for ourselves. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus in the gospel shows us how to go about this sacrifice of love.
Fr Lazar Arasu SDB in this issue you will read reminds us that like St Savio, one of the youngest saints, this journey to holiness should be enveloped in simplicity rather than what many of us are meant to believe; “that becoming a saint is only possible when one gets old, has practiced rigorous penance and mortifications and when one is educated in scripture, theology and spirituality.” You probably recall the lyrics in the song, Oh, when the saints go marching in, but specifically, the line; Lord, I want to be in that number…This song so beautifully crafted, re-echoes that everyone is called to be among the numbers. That the journey to holiness is universal, irrespective of who we are and where we are.
Every first November, the Church commemorates All Saints day and it is not by coincidence that blessed Ambrosoli is joining the number of saints this very month of November. From a humble background, Father Giuseppe Ambrosoli became God’s servant to the suffering people of Kalongo in Northern Uganda. He was for them a witness of charity. In simplicity, blessed Ambrosoli took each day at a time, holding on to God; “I am all from God and nothing from myself. I am all in God and nothing in myself. I am all for God and nothing for myself…” Spiritual exercises-Varese, December 3rd , 1950.
We want to congratulate every one, the Comboni Missionaries of the heart of Jesus, the people of Kalongo, in Northern Uganda, the family in Ronago, province of Como, in Italy for this lived experience of faith, hope and love. This is a beautiful way to end the year, knowing that there is
that one person who lived next to you in heaven praying for you. As leadership magazine, we are blessed to associate with this and we pray for his intercession.
May the prayer found in Fr Ambrosoli’s breviary be our guide on the journey to holiness, most especially, as we approach the Christmas season: Lord teach us to serve you deserve.
Note: We would like to notify our readers that we have revised the cover price and annual subscription rates to shs 5,000/= per copy and Shs 45,000/=.
The Comboni Missionaries Uganda, The Management and staff of Leadership Magazine wish you a Merry Christmas
and a fruitful 2023. Thank you for supporting Leadership Magazine. We look forward to your continued support.
