Devotion in
Roman Catholic Church is “External practices of piety” which are not part of
the official liturgy of the Church, but are part of the popular spiritual
practices of Catholics. Catholics devotions do not become part of liturgical
worship, even if they are performed in the presence of priest.
This academic
year 2014-2015, in Lavigerie house we have witnessed several groups of devotion
coming up. They included devotion of the Saints especially St. Jude,
devotion of Virgin Mary, veneration of the cross and many others, these
devotions were conducted at community level, groups and individuals. They took
various forms like Novenas, Eucharistic Adoration, wearing scapular and
veneration of the saints. Others form included going for pilgrimages to
Kyebando the place of Saint Mathias Mulumba. It also includes visiting the
historical sites where Missionaries of Africa entered Uganda from, and where
they celebrated the first Holy Mass in Uganda, the community also visits the
Shrine of Namugongo. This shrine is dedicated to all Uganda Martyrs who were
killed because of their Faith.
Another group
which has come in this year is Charismatic renewal, and in any devotion they
participate in you really witness the renewal of the members. When speaking to
the founding members they disclosed to me that in Lavigerie House there are
candidates who in the past were charismatic members. Their appeal is that those
members should revive themselves and be the sign to others to follow.
I have shared
with some of the brothers and they have really confessed that praying of Novena
have changed their mind set and have seen wonders. Some their relatives have
got jobs, got better in their health and more to that some have grown spiritually
and their formation journey have become smooth. More meaningful and now they
can find reason to smile and continue with their formation journey.
It is my prayer
that devotions in Lavigerie House will flourish and be more meaningful in the
lives of every candidate who joins our house in future.
Martin Kibira