A Visit of Presence and Prayer: Father General in East Africa

From March 14 to 17, Father General Anselmo Ribeiro, SVD, visited the communities in Uganda connected with the Divine Word Missionaries, including refugee settlements and local parishes. His journey was marked by meaningful encounters, shared prayers, and a strong sense of solidarity with the people and missionaries serving in the region.

A Long Road to Lodonga

Fr. Anselmo began his journey on March 14, traveling from Entebbe Airport through Kampala on a 13-hour road trip to Lodonga. The route, which passed through Murchison Falls National Park, was not without challenges—including a punctured tire—but he arrived in the early hours of Saturday morning to a warm welcome from the SVD community.

Reaching Out to the People of Bidibidi

On Saturday morning, March 15, Fr. Anselmo traveled to Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, visiting the newly established parish of St. Arnold Janssen in Ariwa. The parish includes 46 chapels—30 within the camp and 16 in the surrounding Ugandan communities. Along the way, he visited several chapels in Ariwa’s Zone 4, including St. Daniel Comboni, Sr. Bakhita, and Christ the King, where the roof had already begun to wear down due to weather conditions.

He later reached the center of the new parish, where he met with Fr. Wojciech Pawlowski, SVD, and members of the local community, gathering under mango trees for conversation and reflection. Seeing the developing infrastructure of the parish was a sign of growth and commitment to the mission.

In the afternoon, Fr. Anselmo visited the Sacred Heart Eucharistic Center in Zone 1 and later met with the people of Zone 2, Swinga. He saw the pastoral education center and the children’s playground, and ended the day with Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. In the evening, he returned to Lodonga for supper and a meeting with the local SVD community.

Fr. General's visit to Uganda March 2025

Sunday Visits and Shared Prayer

On March 16, Sunday began with a visit to Yangani Chapel in Zone 4, Abrimajo. The community joined in Lent confessions, rosary prayers, songs, and greetings. Fr. Anselmo also led a prayer for Pope Francis and celebrated Mass, followed by a shared meal.

In the afternoon, he continued to Zone 3, Yoyo, where he joined in the Divine Mercy Chaplet at the Eucharistic Center. Later that day, he visited the historic Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Lodonga—the first sub-Saharan basilica, built in 1961—and stopped by the SSPS Sisters’ house before having supper with both SVD and SSPS communities. That evening, he traveled to Arua to catch the night bus back to Kampala.

Final Day in Uganda

On Monday, March 17, Fr. Anselmo arrived in Munyonyo and spent the morning visiting the Catholic and Anglican Martyrs Shrines in Namugongo, remembering those who gave their lives for their faith. At 4 PM, he celebrated Mass at the Munyonyo Martyrs Chapel, at the tomb of St. Andrew Kaggwa.

Following the Mass, he met with the Ordinary Bishop of Arua Diocese, discussing the ongoing work of the Divine Word Missionaries in Bidibidi and Ariwa Parish. He also visited local places associated with the Ugandan martyrs in Munyonyo before concluding the day with supper. In the early hours of the next morning, he departed for Chad to continue his pastoral journey.

A Visit of Encouragement and Presence

Fr. Anselmo’s visit was a sign of support for the communities and missionaries working in often challenging conditions. His time with the people—listening, praying, and sharing meals—highlighted the importance of presence and accompaniment in mission work. For many, his visit was a reminder that their efforts and struggles are part of the wider Church’s journey and mission.

GMD