YOUTH MAKES PILGRIMAGE TO GULU CATHEDRAL FOR JUBILEE YEAR CELEBRATION

The Youth walking in faith, united on a journey of hope as they arrived at Gulu Cathedral. All Photos by Proscovia Achomo.
 
By Achomo Proscovia
 
Gulu City
 
The Youth of Holy Cross Parish Kanyagoga under Gulu Archdiocese recently made a heartfelt pilgrimage to Gulu Cathedral, a key event in this year’s jubilee celebration.
 
Organized to foster spiritual growth and unity, the pilgrimage was a significant moment for young Catholics to reflect on their faith and deepen their connection with the church.
 
The event celebrated under the theme, “Pilgrimages of hope,” witnessed enthusiastic participation from young parishioners who came together to deepen their faith and strengthen their commitment to the church.
During their time at St. Joseph’s Cathedral Gulu, the youth engaged in prayer, worship, and fellowship, making the pilgrimage a transformative experience for many.
 
Stephen Omona, a youth from St Peter’s Catholic community in Unyama who joined the youth of Holy Cross in the pilgrimage shared that the pilgrimage has inspired him, a young person, to embrace a life rooted in faith and hope.
 
He expressed confidence that through this hope, his prayers will be answered, and he will be guided to live a life free from sin.
 
Omona encouraged his fellow youth to seize similar opportunities in the future, emphasizing the importance of such experiences in strengthening their faith and commitment to living a life filled with hope and purpose.
 
Patience Aceng described the journey as deeply touching and impactful highlighting the importance of the church actively involving the youth in various activities.
 
She emphasized that young people often feel overlooked, but when given opportunities to lead or organize such events, they feel valued and motivated to contribute more meaningfully to the church’s mission.
 
This event was organized in alignment with the Archdiocese’s jubilee year activities aimed at fostering faith and unity within the church community.
 
The Youth taking the journey of faith.
 
Justine Kinyera, the youth chairperson Holy Cross Apostolate announced preparations are underway for another pilgrimage scheduled to take place in December.
 
“Unlike the recent journey to Gulu Cathedral, the upcoming pilgrimage will be to a different diocese, offering the youth an opportunity to explore and experience the spiritual and cultural richness of another Diocese,” said Justine.
 
Kinyera emphasized that this initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to strengthen the faith and unity of the youth.
Rev Fr Anthony Diego, the chancellor of Archdiocese of Gulu who represented Archbishop Rapheal P’mony Wokorach emphasized that the call to undertake the pilgrimage is a call from Jesus through Pope Francis, who dedicated this year as the Jubilee year.
 
Fr. Diego echoed that the youth’s involvement and leadership in the faith community are vital for the church’s growth and renewal, encouraging them to take ownership of their spiritual paths and actively contribute to the church’s mission.
 
“Embrace this spiritual journey with open hearts and minds, recognizing its potential to not only deepen your personal faith but also shape the future of the church and build a foundation of faith that will support you in the years to come,” Fr Diego underscored.
 
In the Catholic Church, a Jubilee year is a special year of remission of sins and universal pardon, celebrated every 25 years, though extraordinary jubilees can be proclaimed at other times.
 
The concept is rooted in the Old Testament tradition, particularly in Leviticus 25, where the year of Jubilee involved the forgiveness of debts, the return of property and release of slaves.
 
A jubilee year is typically marked by the Pope’s declaration and is a time of spiritual renewal, with Catholics being encouraged to seek forgiveness, make pilgrimages, and perform acts of charity.
 
During a Jubilee year, a plenary indulgence (a diminution of temporal punishment for sins) an be granted to those who fulfill the necessary conditions, such as visiting a Holy Door, receiving sacraments, and praying for the intention of the Pope.
 
 

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