FOOT PILGRIMS TO THE UGANDA MARTYRS’ SHRINE – NAMUGONGO: AN ACT OF SELF-MORTIFICATION—AS A PATH TO SPRITUAL GROWTH AND SALVATION
FOOT PILGRIMS TO THE UGANDA MARTYRS’ SHRINE – NAMUGONGO: AN ACT OF SELF-MORTIFICATION—AS A PATH TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND SALVATION
Dr. Ronald M. KASYABA
UGANDA CATHOLIC MEDICAL BUREAU
In the past 2 weeks in Uganda, various groups of Christians across the country have been blessed and dispatched by their respective Bishops or other Clergy—and started their foot pilgrimage to the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine – Namugongo—to commemorate, participate and celebrate The Uganda Martyrs’ Day—on 3rd June. Uganda Martyrs’ day celebrations are commemorated every year.
The practice of foot pilgrimage has gained traction over the years and the collective numbers have progressively increased. However, the practice has been mis-interpreted and/or in some instances misconstrued with the possible risk of negating it to a “public show” of endurance and prowess. As at 22nd May 2024, over 3,200 Foot Pilgrims were reported by Uganda Police to be on the road to Namugongo—and more numbers are expected to arrive just before the 3rd June.
The Catholic religious tradition, has long emphasized the importance of self-discipline and self denial as a means of deepening one’s spiritual connection with God.
This practice is commonly referred to as “mortification.” Mortification comes from the Latin word “mortificare,” which means “to put to death.” In the context of Catholicism, it refers to voluntary acts of self-denial and self-discipline, often involving physical or material sacrifices, with the ultimate goal of strengthening one’s faith and achieving spiritual growth and its benefits. Mortification is seen as a way to imitate Christ’s suffering and death on the cross, as well as to combat the desires of the flesh and worldly temptations.
The practice of mortification has deep historical roots within the Catholic Church. Early Christian ascetics, practiced various forms of self-denial as a means of drawing closer to God. Ascetical practices (i.e. practices of self-denial and abstinence from physical desires and other worldly pleasures)—when exercised in moderation, are part of the Christian tradition, for the union with the redeeming suffering of Christ which comes through accepting the trials and suffering of life, with the voluntary choice of physical suffering.
The Catholic religious tradition, has long emphasized the importance of self-discipline and selfdenial as a means of deepening one’s spiritual connection with God. This practice is commonly referred to as “mortification.” Mortification comes from the Latin word “mortificare,” which means “to put to death.” In the context of Catholicism, it refers to voluntary acts of self-denial and self-discipline, often involving physical or material sacrifices, with the ultimate goal of strengthening one’s faith and achieving spiritual growth and its benefits. Mortification is seen as a way to imitate Christ’s suffering and death on the cross, as well as to combat the desires of the flesh and worldly temptations.
The practice of mortification has deep historical roots within the Catholic Church. Early Christian ascetics, practiced various forms of self-denial as a means of drawing closer to God. Ascetical practices (i.e. practices of self-denial and abstinence from physical desires and other worldly pleasures)—when exercised in moderation, are part of the Christian tradition, for the union with the redeeming suffering of Christ which comes through accepting the trials and suffering of life, with the voluntary choice of physical suffering.
