Special Day at St. Josephine Bakhita Chapel, Ayilo 1 Refugee Settlement, Adjumani – Uganda
By Victor Awiti, SJ
Greetings from Adjumani – JRS
There are three refugee settlements that are under JRS Pastoral care in Adjumani. These are Ayilo 1, Ayilo 2 and Borolli. Most of these our brothers and sister on the move are from South Sudan. There is a significant increase of Refugees in these settlements and this year’s theme of “Solidarity with refugees” guides the Pastoral department of JRS Adjumani in Accompanying and Serving these our brothers and sisters. Women, children and the youth form a big part of the population of catholic Christians in the six chapels under the JRS pastoral care.
Catholic Christian practices is and has always been part of the daily lives of South Sudanese refugees here in Adjumani, Uganda. They live in a context where faith and hope are major strength. There has been support structures among the refugees in these settlements. These structure serves to help these communities to come together and support each other in the difficult times. Major Pastoral activities that best demonstrates and describes how JRS pastoral department accompanies and serves the refugees are; weekly Eucharistic celebrations every Sunday in at least 2 chapels, youth animation, adult catechism, administering of the sacraments, pastoral home visits and trainings of youth and women in leadership and peace agents.
On the 28th July, 2024, St. Josephine Bakhita, (One of the Chapels under Pastoral care of JRS) witnessed the baptism of 5 infants, 32 children, 42 youth and 14 adults. 40 other members of this chapel received the sacrament of Holy communion. There was a nice celebration after mass as this marks a significant step in their journey of faith.
Otherwise Karibini Sana Adjumani.
