It was a rare occasion in our refugee settlements. Far away from the town, somehow isolated, the refugees of Maaji and Agojo – settlements in the North of Uganda, have rarely seen such great events and opportunities to gather and pray.
Ten days before its arrival in Maaji, the people of the settlements were informed that the image of Our Lady of Kibeho was on its way. The time to prepare for her arrival was very short and all the leaders of the Catholic chapels that we, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and the Missionaries of Africa, are in charge of, rolled up their sleeves to start the preparations. Drawing up the budget, collecting food, cleaning the houses to receive those who would accompany the statue of Our Lady, clearing the ground around the chapel that would be the main venue for the welcome, building the podium, rehearsing songs, these are just some of the things that needed to be done.
One day before the actual arrival of Our Lady of Kibeho, Christians from all the settlements and the host community of Maaji Zone begin to gather at St Benedict’s Chapel to spend two nights in prayer through the intercession of our Mother Mary. It is wonderful to see how people who have so little know how to share what they have with the pilgrims who have walked many kilometres and come without food or money to buy it. The organising committee does its best to show a great sign of solidarity to everyone.
The great day arrives, the 21st of August 2024.
The phone of fr. Karim Konseimbo rings, he receives the message that Our Lady of Kibeho is waiting at the town parish to be escorted up to Maaji settlement. But what a disappointment when the father comes out of the house and finds that his car had a flat tyre! There is no time to lose, fortunately the sisters are nearby and ready to help with their vehicle. The refugees receive the call: “Come out onto the streets, our Lady is coming!” She is received with songs and ululations along the main road through Maaji settlement and in the chapel itself.
Suddenly, just a few hours later, it begins to rain in buckets! The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which had been welcomed on the platform outside, has to be quickly moved inside the chapel. What a blessing! What a sign of Our Lady’s presence among us! Just like in Kibeho… we are explained.
The recitation of the rosary, songs and other prayers can be heard from inside the chapel. On the side of the chapel, however, there is a group of women who are very busy preparing food for the visitors and pilgrims. One of them, with tears in her eyes, says how much she wants to be with those praying on the other side, how little time she has to be with Mary, who is only with us for two days. How relieved she is to learn that Mother Mary sees her sacrifice and generosity, that
her selfless service is itself a powerful prayer and imitation of the virtues of the Virgin Mary!
The Blessed Mother’s visit to the Maaji refugee settlement is crowned with a Holy Mass during which her message to the young girls in Kibeho and her invitation to pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows for the world are explained. Filled with joy, thanksgiving and fervent prayers for various intentions through the intercession of Mother Mary, the faithful bid her farewell as she continues her itinerary to other parishes in the diocese of Arua.
By Sr. Magdalena Orczykowska, Ukusijoni community, Uganda
