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Way of the Cross: Christians walk in Jesus’ footsteps
aKampala Diocese Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga (in cassoc and hat) and other Christians pray on Lubaga Road on Friday during commemoration of crucifixion of Jesus. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
Kampala- Christians yesterday walked for the annual Way of the Cross.
The Way of the Cross is a two-mile procession to remember Jesus carrying his cross to Calvary, where he died 2019 years ago.
The Way of the Cross on a Good Friday is also marked in memory of the passion of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion.
Every year, in the pre-Easter weekend rituals, Christians from all walks of life come together to reflect on the meaning of the Cross as a symbol of salvation.
In Uganda, like in many parts of the world, Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Christians carry huge wooden crosses and some offer themselves to be whipped, to share in the pain Jesus underwent for their salvation. Christian believe Jesus died for their sins and that if he had not died, no one would have eternal life.
Hundreds of believers gathered at Old Kampala Secondary School playground, the venue for the Good Friday prayers under the theme; “Living life to its fullness”.
At Rubaga Cathedral, Catholic Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga commended the believers who participated in the Lent activities, which included, among others, helping the needy and prayers for peace in the country.
The Archbishop and his team walked from Mengo – Kisenyi, through St Balikuddembe, Rubaga Hospital Nursing School and Uganda Martyrs Busega via Kisenyi before reaching Old Kampala SS Playground.
“Do not relax after Lent but continue to listen to God’s commandments. Whatever wrongs going on in our country, let us pray and work for peace,” the Archbishop said.
In Nakawa, believers from various churches led by Alfred Okumu converged at Our Lady of Africa, Mbuya, started their journey around Nakawa, Mbuya, Kinawataka and Bugulobi at 7am.
From All Saints, Nakasero believers led by Anglican Archbishop Stanley Ntagali sloped through Kyaggwe Road, St Matia Mulumba, where prayers were held before being joined by another group up to Old Kampala Secondary School Playground.
From Namirembe Cathedral, believers led by Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira walked via Balintuma Road and held prayers at the Disabled School, Uganda Spastics School then proceeded to Mengo Hospital, where Bishop Luwalira prayed for the people.
In his summon at Old Kampala SSS playground, Archbishop Ntagali decried the rampant cases of injustice prevailing in the country, citing land cases which drag on for years while the rich take advantage of the poor.
“Walking together is a symbol of unity in Christ regardless of our differences. Christ’s death united us,” he said.
Reported by E. Kasozi, S. Otage, K. Atuhaire, A. Lubowa
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