Church Leaders in Uganda to Engage Media in Marking World Mission Sunday

The officials have also engaged Bishops through “a special bank account” in the annual fundraising initiative toward the Universal Solidarity Fund that aims at supporting the missionary needs of the universal Church, Fr. Pontian has reported.

“In order to promote the contribution to the Universal Solidarity Fund, we asked the Bishops to allow the creation of a special bank account where the faithful can send money, in addition to the traditional fundraising system,” the Ugandan Cleric says.

The fund is used as a basic means of support for a new or young Church, as a form of support for a Church in a mission dependent area where self-support is not well established, and as a form of support to a Church in a mission dependent area where an emergency has occurred.

“Now it is time to bring the gifts of the Good News and our faith as treasures to be shared. Every gift is better when it is shared," Fr. Pontian says.

Amid COVID-19 restrictions, which led to closure of churches in Uganda since March, the Church “went to her children, their homes and their families,” Fr. Pontian who has served in his current position since January 2018 recalls.

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He explains, “During the lockdown, we encouraged all the baptized to pray together in their families. The Word of God was shared by catechists, Lay leaders and Priests who visited the homes and small Christian communities.”

“The children were prepared for First Communion and the Sacraments of Penance. The Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Marriage were also celebrated following the current standard procedures provided for in these cases,” he adds in the September 29 report.

Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni announced eased restrictions on places of worship September 20, allowing for gatherings of up to 70 people at a time.

“In Uganda, the pandemic has negatively affected the livelihood of a large part of the population: many survive with only one meal a day and without money to buy other essential goods and medicines,” the National Director of PMS in the country says.

He thanks the Holy Father for establishing the COVID-19 emergency fund to help affected communities.

In his World Mission Sunday message released on Pentecost Sunday, May 31, Pope Francis said the COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity for mission and service to others.

Pope Pius XI instituted World Mission Sunday in 1926, to remind Catholics about their commitment and support to the missionary work of the Church through prayer and sacrifice.