A nine-year-old boy, Moses Onencan, along with over 40 fellow pilgrims, has commenced a 213-kilometer pilgrimage from Nwoya district to the Paimol Martyrs shrine in Paimol Sub-County, Agago District. Moses, a primary three student at Goro Primary School in Koch Goma Town Council, began this spiritual journey from Koch Goma Catholic Parish.
This pilgrimage coincides with the 105th anniversary of the martyrdom of Jildo Irwa and Daudi Okello, set to be celebrated at the Paimol Martyrs shrine on October 20, under the theme “We Serve the Truth.”
Grace Laleng, Moses Onencan’s mother, explained that her son has been suffering from persistent leg pain, which has not responded to medical treatment. She hopes for divine healing through prayer, citing previous miracles her family has received from the blessed martyrs. Many believe that these martyrs are interceding on behalf of the faithful from their place in heaven.
Jackson Ocen, another participant from Koch Goma Town Council, is also seeking healing for his family’s challenges through this pilgrimage. He has faith that the martyrs will answer his prayers.
The Chairperson of the foot pilgrims, Wilberforce Ocitti, stated that their pilgrimage is dedicated to praying for unity among religious groups in the Acholi sub-region.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Okumu, the Rector of Paimol Martyr’s Shrine, anticipates the attendance of 100,000 to 200,000 people from various parts of the world at this year’s anniversary celebration. This celebration aims to promote truth-telling and encourage the youth to be advocates for truth, emulating the martyrs.
Fr. Okumu revealed that the Archdiocese has allocated a budget of 90 million Shillings for this year’s celebration and called on Christians and well-wishers to contribute to the cause.
The pilgrimage includes stopovers at Unyama Parish in Bardege Layibi Division, Ogom Sub-County in Pader district, Pajule Town Council in Pader district, and Kalongo Town Council in Agago district before reaching the final destination at Paimol Martyrs Shrine on October 18.
Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa were Acholi catechists who were martyred around 1918 for their devotion to teaching Christianity. They were beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 20, 2002, along with 22 other Roman Catholic martyrs in Uganda.
