KYENJOJO
Today it was ululation and divine moments as tens of thousands thronged Katoosa
Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa led the Mass Hon.Col(Rtd)Tom Butime Minister for Wildlife, Tourism and Antiquities graced the occasion, Tooro region Area Members of Parliament, RDC Ayesiga Julian Sarah Nyinabarongo Akiiki flanked by her Deputy Allan Bamuha, LCVs and many other guest attended. Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa presented the four tractors received from President Museveni and they were flagged off by Hon.Tom Butime
Katoosa Catholic Parish located about two kilometres from Kyenjojo Town on Kyenjojo-Kagadi Road. Just a few metres away from the church is a cross placed atop a huge rock with the inscription, St Mukasa Kiriwawanvu, one of the Uganda Martyrs. On the same spot, are other 22 rocks leaning on each other all bearing inscriptions of names of the first 22 Catholic Uganda Martyrs.
On January 22, 1984, Katoosa Parish was opened as an independent parish after being carved out of Butiiti Parish and this was during the reign of Bishop Serapio B. Magambo (RIP) who installed Fr Fortunate Kasangaki (RIP) as its first parish priest and Msgr Kaijanabyo as curate.
Msgr Kaijanabyo, who worked in Katoosa from 1983 to 1994, facilitated paintings on the rocks assisted by Leo Baryabuuza (then, a seminarian).
This place of rocks was ‘established’ after Fort Portal Diocese sanctified it in honour of St Adolf Tibeyalirwa (Ludigo) Abwooli, one of the martyrs born in Katoosa, Kyenjojo District. Tibeyalirwa is among the first 22 Ugandan martyrs killed on June 3, 1885 and canonised in 1964
After the place was sanctified, it became a centre of devotion where people go to offer their petitions to different martyrs. From children to the elderly, this place attracts all. Normally as church goers come for prayers at Katoosa Parish some make a stop over at the rocks in supplication. Those in a hurry, bow or genuflect and some make the sign of the cross before continuing to church for prayers.
The idea of the shrine was initiated by Bishop Vincent Joseph McCauley CSC, the first bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese in 1964. The works started after the canonisation of Uganda Martyrs in 1964.
After the canonisation of Uganda Martyrs, Christians started making pilgrimage to Namugongo every June 3, those Christians who could not make it to Namugongo opted for Katoosa on the same day. The Bishop then Rt Rev Paul L.Kalanda (RIP) instituted November 15, as diocesan day of pilgrimage to Katoosa. It is the day St Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe was killed.
When Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa became fourth Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese on June 15, 2003, he changed the diocesan day of pilgrimage to Katoosa Shrine January 27, due to weather conditions.
During those times every November they would experience heavy rains unlike January.
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