Kasana–Luweero Diocese Concludes the Holy Jubilee Year as Bishop Mukasa Calls the Faithful to Renounce Superstition

By BERNARD BAKALU

Luweero

The Kasana–Luweero Diocese on Sunday, December 28, 2025, solemnly concluded the Holy Jubilee Year 2025 with a grand liturgical celebration held at Our Lady of Fatima, Queen of Peace Kasana Cathedral, the diocesan seat.

The day began with the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 7:30 a.m., as priests were stationed at various points within the diocesan headquarters to hear confessions. Despite the overcast morning, long queues of the faithful were visible throughout the Cathedral grounds, a powerful sign of repentance and spiritual renewal.

At 9:30 a.m., a solemn procession formed in preparation for the Eucharistic celebration, which began at 10:00 a.m. More than 80 priests from the Diocese’s 32 parishes participated in the procession, moving from the sacristy to the main entrance of the Cathedral. The procession wound its way through thousands of faithful who had already taken their places in reverent anticipation of the Holy Mass.

This was as Rev. Fr. Tony Nsumba Lyazi faithfully carried out his duties as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) and liturgical commentator.

Once the ministers had taken their seats, the Cathedral Administrator and Vicar General, Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, formally welcomed the congregation and invited the Bishop to preside over the Eucharist.

“We are deeply grateful for your excellent mobilization, which resulted in a strong and meaningful delegation that had the privilege of undertaking a physical pilgrimage to Rome,” Msgr. Mukiibi said.

He added, “For those who were unable to travel to Rome, we thank God that opportunities were created within our parishes and diocesan departments to make pilgrimage to the Cathedral.”

Msgr. Mukiibi expressed heartfelt appreciation to the clergy and diocesan structures, noting: “I sincerely thank you, my brother priests, together with our diocesan departments, for your invaluable support in mobilising our communities for this noble spiritual endeavour.”

Turning to the laity, he remarked, “To our beloved faithful, I greatly appreciate your positive response—the impressive turnouts and the generous support you offered to our Bishop in his pastoral mission of strengthening and building up your parishes.”

He concluded by observing that the many efforts and graces received throughout the Jubilee Year had renewed the joy of journeying together as a local Church, strengthened ecclesial unity, and deepened hope in Jesus Christ, the Newborn King.

Bishop’s Homily: A Call to Authentic Faith

In his homily, the Bishop of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, first congratulated the faithful upon the successful completion of the Holy Jubilee Year. He then issued a firm pastoral appeal, urging Catholics to rid their homes of all fetishes and objects associated with witchcraft as the Jubilee Year formally came to an end.

The Bishop reflected on the Holy Family, noting that Mary and Joseph, despite their trials and uncertainties, never sought refuge in shrines or superstitious practices.

“At no point did the family of Jesus engage in witchcraft or superstition. They remained steadfast in their trust in God,” Bishop Mukasa said.

He explained that it was precisely this unwavering fidelity that led to St. Joseph being honoured as Patron of the Universal Church, Mary as Mother of the Church, and Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world.

The Bishop recounted a personal incident in which an individual once threatened to send fetishes to destroy his life and ministry. He testified that he responded without fear, placing his trust entirely in Christ.

Pointing to the large Cross within the Cathedral, Bishop Mukasa urged the faithful to lay all their burdens, fears, and struggles at the feet of Christ through prayer, rather than resorting to superstition.

“Go back to your homes and discard anything linked to witchcraft,” he exhorted, adding that nearly everyone present likely possessed something at home bound by fear or superstition—what he described metaphorically as a “prisoner.”

Consistent Pastoral Concern

Earlier in July 2025, Bishop Mukasa had issued a similar warning to the 241 diocesan pilgrims who travelled to Rome for the Jubilee celebrations. During a special Mass at Kasana Cathedral prior to their departure, he reminded them that they were not tourists but pilgrims journeying to encounter God. He urged them to place complete trust in the Lord and to abandon charms or objects incompatible with Christian faith.

That Mass served as the final prayer for the pilgrims, each of whom contributed more than Shs7 million toward the pilgrimage, as they prepared to participate in the Jubilee celebrations proclaimed by the late Pope Francis.

The Bishop has consistently expressed concern over the persistence of witchcraft within the Diocese. In January 2025, he publicly cautioned some catechists whom he suspected of secretly practising witchcraft, warning that such behaviour gravely undermines their spiritual responsibilities. He later announced the creation of a special chamber for storing fetishes surrendered by the faithful and reaffirmed the appointment of Rev. Fr. Augustine Mpagi as Diocesan Exorcist.

Similar concerns have been echoed by other Church leaders. In 2023, the Archbishop of Kampala, Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere, lamented the proliferation of shrines compared to churches in Kamira Catholic Parish, describing it as a betrayal of Christian faith. He made the remarks while presiding over the installation of the parish priest.

Closing of the Jubilee Year

As the Mass drew to a close, Bishop Mukasa once again congratulated the faithful of Kasana–Luweero for completing the Jubilee Year. He explained that while the Jubilee was opened universally by the Supreme Pontiff on December 24, 2024, and locally in the Diocese on December 29, 2024, its closure follows a reverse order: dioceses close first, followed by the Holy See on January 6, 2026.

Sunday’s celebration was the only Mass held across the Diocese’s 32 parishes and brought together thousands of faithful, alongside all priests and men and women religious.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Mukasa presided over the official Rite of Closure of the Jubilee Year. He instructed priests to remove the Jubilee poster from the sanctuary, after which he processed from the altar, accompanied by the clergy, to close the Cathedral’s main entrance from within.

The door, which had served as the diocesan “Holy Door” throughout the Jubilee Year, will remain closed for one week. The faithful will use the smaller entrances until its reopening on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

The Jubilee Year in Context

The Jubilee Year 2025 was inaugurated by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and will conclude on January 6, 2026. Traditionally known as a Holy Year, the Jubilee is a sacred time marked by forgiveness, reconciliation, conversion, and spiritual renewal, inviting the faithful to restore right relationships with God, neighbour, and creation.

Celebrated under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the Jubilee calls the Church to be a sign of hope amid global challenges such as war, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change. Jubilees have been celebrated every 25 years since 1470, following Pope Paul II’s decision to reduce the interval from 50 years. The last Ordinary Jubilee was held in 2000, while an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy took place in 2015. The current Jubilee also marks the 2,025th anniversary of the Birth of Jesus Christ.

In Uganda, the Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, Bishop of Kiyinda–Mityana Diocese, directed all dioceses to develop Jubilee pastoral programmes and to replicate the Holy Door ceremony on December 29, 2024, to launch Jubilee celebrations nationwide.

In Kasana–Luweero Diocese, Bishop Mukasa opened the Jubilee by ceremonially opening the Cathedral’s main entrance while all other doors remained closed. The faithful processed into the Cathedral carrying lit candles, symbolising their pilgrimage of faith, as priests administered the Sacrament of Reconciliation at designated points.

Throughout the Jubilee Year, parishes and diocesan institutions organised pilgrimages to Kasana Cathedral, where they celebrated the Eucharist and offered material and financial support toward parish development initiatives. A major highlight was the diocesan pilgrimage to Rome in July 2025, represented by 241 pilgrims.

Episcopal Appointments and Recognitions

After Mass, Bishop Mukasa made several important announcements. He deployed Rev. Fr. Charles Ssenkungu as Assistant Parish Priest of Nandere Parish.

The Bishop also honoured two Monsignors who played a key role in catechizing pilgrims from parishes and institutions: Msgr. Francis Xavier Mpanga and Msgr. Dr. Matthias Kanyererezi. He noted that Rev. Fr. Denis Ssebuggwaawo, former Pastoral Coordinator, would be recognised at a later date for his leadership of the diocesan pilgrimage to Rome.

Additionally, Bishop Mukasa gifted Mulajje Parish in appreciation for renting to the Diocese the large Cross used throughout the Jubilee celebrations at the Cathedral. The gift was received on behalf of the parish by Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Wamala, laity leader Andrew Lubega, and other representatives.

Guidance on the Rite of Closure

The Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Dr. Cyril Kasigwa Sande, guided the faithful through the rites of closure, explaining the symbolic removal of the Jubilee poster and the sealing of the Holy Door. He also commended the priests who tirelessly assisted the faithful through the Sacrament of Penance.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Bishop Mukasa processed through the congregation as the faithful warmly waved farewell, escorting him in spirit to his residence.

CLOSURE OF THE HOLY JUBILEE YEAR 2025 IN PICTURES

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa closes the “Holy Door,” assisted by Xaverian missionaries, after Mass at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Samuel Ssempijja, a Xaverian missionary, removes the poster marking the main entrance of Kasana Cathedral as the “Holy Door” throughout the 2025 Holy Jubilee Year, on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Priests remove a poster bearing Jubilee inscriptions from the altar area during the official closing of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa celebrates Mass for the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze [Chancellor Kasana-Luweero Diocese] leads Bishop Lawrence Mukasa in procession to the rite of closing the Holy Door following Holy Mass, during the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral. on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Samuel Ssempijja, a Xaverian moves to remove the poster inscribed “The Holy Door” ahead of its closure by Bishop Mukasa during the official closing of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa waves to the faithful after officially closing the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa blesses the offertory during Mass for the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Faithful attend Mass for the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Some of the faithful attend Mass for the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Some members of the choir lead liturgical music during Mass for the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Some of the Priests in a procession ahead of Mass for the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Some of the Religious Sisters attending Mass for the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Kasana–Luweero Diocesan Vicar General, Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, offers Holy Communion to a member of the faithful during Mass for the closing of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Vincent Kyomya, a parishioner receives the Sacrament of Reconciliation from Rev. Fr. Joseph Kiggundu during the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

The faithful receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation from Rev. Frs. during the solemn celebrations marking the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

The faithful in queues to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation from Rev. Frs. during the solemn celebrations marking the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

A faithful receives the Sacrament of Reconciliation from Rev. Fr.  Jude Masembe [Director Caritas Kasananesis] during the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

From left, Mr. Erasto Kibirango, Luweero District LC V Chairperson, seated next to Hon. Robert Ssekitooleko, Member of Parliament for Bamunanika County, together with other members of the faithful during Holy Mass at the solemn celebrations marking the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year at Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Rev. Fr. Charles Ssenkungu deployed  by Bishop Lawrence Mukasa to Nandere Parish as Assistant Parish Priest on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Wamala, Parish Priest of Mulajje, receives a gift on behalf of the parish from Bishop Lawrence Mukasa on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Msgr. Dr. Matthias Kanyerezi expresses his gratitude to Bishop Lawrence Mukasa upon receiving his gift on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Msgr. Francis Xavier Mpanga receives a gift from  Bishop Lawrence Mukasa at Kasana Cathedral, during the official closure of the Holy Jubilee Year, on Sunday, December 28, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

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