Kasana–Luweero Diocese Suspends Overnight Prayers to Usher in the New Year 2026

By BERNARD BAKALU

Luweero

Kasana–Luweero Diocese has suspended overnight prayers as the world welcomes the New Year 2026.

The directive was issued by the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Dr. Cyril Kasigwa, and announced on Sunday, December 28, 2025, during his address at the climax of the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral.

Speaking to the faithful, Fr. Kasigwa explained that while end-of-year prayers have customarily stretched from early evening into the early hours of the morning, the diocese has resolved to limit New Year celebrations to evening liturgical services only.

Traditionally, end-of-year prayers within the diocese begin between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., culminating at midnight, with some congregations remaining in prayer through the night until morning.

However, under the new guidance, all parishes are instructed to celebrate only the scheduled evening Masses, which must conclude before nightfall.

“As a diocese, we have prayerfully resolved that all parishes should celebrate the scheduled evening Masses and conclude them before nightfall,” Fr. Kasigwa said. “There will be no overnight prayer vigils this year.”

He noted that the decision was taken as a pastoral and preventive measure aimed at safeguarding the wellbeing of the faithful.

“Overnight prayers are not in themselves bad,” he emphasized, “but in matters of safety, prevention is always better than cure.”

In a formal communication circulated to all parish priests, the diocese directed that after the evening Masses, all parishioners should vacate church premises and return to their homes.

“After the evening liturgy, the faithful are asked to go home peacefully and return the following morning to offer thanksgiving to God for the gift of the New Year,” Fr. Kasigwa said.

He clarified that the directive applies to all 32 parishes and over 300 sub-parishes within Kasana–Luweero Diocese, and that no prayers should continue through the night until dawn.

Meanwhile, Fr. Kasigwa announced that the diocese will organize annual prayer camps in selected parishes at the beginning of the year. He appealed to security agencies to clearly understand the nature of these gatherings and refrain from unnecessary suspicion.

“These are purely spiritual activities—works of God meant to deepen faith and prayer,” he said.

According to the diocese, the prayer camps will run from January 5 to January 11, 2026. Fr. Kasigwa further urged parish organizers to work closely with security agencies to ensure harmony and smooth coordination during the camps.

“We encourage all organizers to liaise with security authorities so that everything is done in an orderly and peaceful manner, in the spirit of the Church,” he added.

 Rev. Fr. Dr. Cyril Kasigwa, the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator of Kasana–Luweero, addresses the faithful at Kasana Cathedral during the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year 2025 on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.