By Alexander Mackey Okori
Thousands of Catholics and non-Catholics from Moroto Diocese and beyond braved the chilly weather on Saturday to witness the long-awaited consecration and inauguration of the Merciful Love of Jesus Cathedral in Moroto.
The magnificent Cathedral is located at Nakapelimen cell, Moroto Municipality, just a stone’s throw from Moroto main market.
The event, marked by fervent prayers, dedication, and a procession led by the outgoing Papal Nuncio to Uganda, His Excellency Archbishop Luigi Bianco, started at 10:00 am.
The momentous event brought together the faithful, clergy, and dignitaries to witness the blessing of the historic cathedral under tight security due to the presence of Vice President Jessica Alupo Epele, who represented President Museveni as the chief guest.
Among other notable clergy and dignitaries present were Metropolitan Archbishop Tororo Emmanuel Oboo, Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese John Baptist Odama, Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, Bishop of Kotido Catholic Diocese, and Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru, of Soroti Catholic Diocese.
The ceremony began with the reading of a letter authored by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, by Apostolic Nucio to Uganda Archbishop Luigi Bianco, followed by the dedication of key areas in the cathedral, beginning with the pulpit and baptismal font.
Other bishops took on similar roles at various stations throughout the ceremony. At each location, from the baptismal font to the pews, lectern, Bible, and pulpit, prayers were offered, ending with the Papal Nuncio dedicating the entire cathedral.
As the rituals were observed, the faithful were quiet, many witnessing such a rare ceremony for the first time. The atmosphere was reverent and filled with slow, melodic hymns from the choir.
While dedicating the cathedral, His Excellency Archbishop Bianco explained that the word “Cathedral” comes from the Greek “cathedra,” meaning chair, the seat from which the diocesan bishop leads the faithful in their region.
He elaborated that the symbolic chair, placed prominently in the cathedral, represents the bishop’s authority to teach, sanctify, and govern his people.
Call for Humility and Peace
During his homily, Archbishop Bianco addressed the congregants, including the many dignitaries, urging them to utilize the cathedral as a sacred space for communicating with the Lord through prayer.
He emphasized that the doors of the house of God are always open, and all are called to become part of God’s people without limitations or discriminations.
Archbishop Bianco further challenged the faithful to follow the path of humility and embrace peace, laid down by Jesus Christ.
He highlighted that Jesus chose to ride on a colt, showing the world that true greatness lies in humility. As followers of Christ, Christians must love one another, live in peace, and serve God with renewed dedication.
The papal Nuncio referenced the first message of Pope Leo XIV after his election, where he talked about peace to all and expressed the will of a synodal church, a church that moves forward and always seeks charity to be close to those who are suffering.
Archbishop Bianco urged the congregation to let the message of peace of the risen Christ resound in their hearts, families, and among all people.
Message from Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo
Reflecting on the completed cathedral, Emmanuel Oboo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo Diocese, expressed gratitude, calling it “a beautiful moment”.
He marveled at the cathedral’s grandeur, adding, “May we be as beautiful as we worship God within its walls.”
Archbishop Oboo described the new cathedral as more than just mortar and bricks, standing as a testament to the stewardship of the Most Rt. Rev. Damiano Giulio Guzzetti.
He urged the faithful to use the newly consecrated Cathedral as a place where they gather to hear the Word of God, offer intercession and give praise to Him, and above all celebrate holy mysteries, the Eucharist, and the Holy temple where the holy sacrament of the Eucharist is kept.
Bishop Ssetongo-the Vision Bearer.
In an article for Consecration Magazine, the Bishop of Moroto Diocese, the Most Rt. Rev. Damiano Giulio Guzzetti, highlighted the origins and progress of the new Merciful Love of Jesus Cathedral, a structure born from necessity.
He added that the journey to the new church started way back in 1988 when Bishop Henry Ssetongo (RIP) became immortalized as a visionary, ever-spirited, and enthusiastic builder after the old Regina Mundi Cathedral started becoming too small to host the ever-growing number of parishioners.
Initially, the idea was to enlarge it, which wouldn’t be very costly to the diocese, but some of the missionaries met the idea with enthusiasm and started lobbying for funds to start the works.
In 2014, after acquiring new plots adjacent to the property owned by the Diocese in Nakapelimen, which is a more central place in Moroto town, Bishop Ssetongo handed over an architectural plan, a budget, and a signed contract for the new sacred building to be erected to Bishop Damiano.
The actual construction work of the new cathedral started in 2015, during the extraordinary jubilee of Mercy, and considering Mother Esperanza’s legacy under the supervision of Roberto Gandolif, Lay Comboni Missionary.
Bishop Damiano said the consecration of the new cathedral during the jubilee year is a call to all to let God’s Mercy touch their hearts and lives to become witnesses of love and reconciliation as “Pilgrims of Hope.”
He described the unique architecture of the new cathedral as a bridge between post-modern design and the features of the old church, symbolizing both history and the future.
Message from the Vicar General
In his speech as the Vicar General of Moroto Diocese and Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee, Msgr. Paul L. Ngole, said that the grand structure reflects the Diocese’s commitment to addressing the growing need for more space for worshippers.
He added that past leaders of Moroto Diocese, both living and deceased, must be smiling proudly on this momentous occasion.
President’s Message.
President Museveni, in a message delivered by Vice President Rtd. Maj. Jessica Alupo Epel, commended all stakeholders who contributed to the construction of the new cathedral.
He thanked all the people who made contributions towards the renewal of the cathedral and congratulated the conclave and the entire Catholic Church globally upon the successful election of the new Pope, His Holiness Pope Leo XVI.
President Museveni pledged to work closely with Pope Leo XIV like he did with his predecessor and urged the congregation to blend spirituality with hard work and extend mercy to all humankind.
He praised the choice of the name of the cathedral to be dedicated to the mercy and love of Jesus Christ and encouraged everyone to demonstrate that love in their day-to-day relationships with humanity without discrimination.
Quoting the book of James, chapter 2, verse 14, he asked the faithful to back their love for God with action, which should be demonstrated by extending mercy to all humanity in their daily lives.
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