By Sr. Magdalena Orczykowska, MSOLA
In communion with the whole Church, the Diocese of Arua joined in celebrating the Jubilee Year with a special focus on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees under the theme:
“Pilgrims of Hope – a hope that never disappoints.”
The celebration took place in Maaji Refugee Settlement, which is under the pastoral care of the Missionaries of Africa and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa.
Preparing the Jubilee
Preparation for this great day began long in advance. A team of missionaries, together with Christian communities within the settlement, followed the guidelines of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development to ensure the celebration would reflect the spirit of the Jubilee of Migrants and Refugees. The aim was to deepen awareness, strengthen faith, and renew hope among the displaced communities.
The Celebration
The climax of the event came on October 5, with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, Bishop of Arua Diocese. The Mass was preceded by a symbolic pilgrimage, during which participants walked together to the celebration ground at Maaji 3 Primary School. Upon arrival, the bishop explained to all the pilgrims the meaning of the Jubilee and the significance of passing through the Gate of Hope. He then cut the ribbon, and the whole congregation walked through the gate.
In his homily, the bishop drew inspiration from the message of Pope Leo XIV for this World Day of Migrants and Refugees. He reminded the refugees that they are deeply loved by God and encouraged them to become “missionaries of hope”—bringing light to one another and to all they encounter.
“We know that we are loved when the person who loves us comes near to us,” he said. “So it is with God—He is close to you and loves you.”
The bishop pointed to many visible signs of God’s closeness: the presence of missionaries, priests, and sisters; the welcoming spirit of the Government of Uganda; and the efforts of NGOs and partners who accompany refugees in their daily struggles.
A Day of Joy and Hope
The celebration concluded with expressions of faith and hope. Students from St. Mary Assumpta Girls’ Secondary School presented a poem on hope, followed by a Bible quiz organized among the refugee settlements to mark the Jubilee. Speeches from hosts and invited guests expressed gratitude, solidarity, and renewed commitment to journey together as one family of God.
The Jubilee celebration in Maaji was not just an event—it was a testimony of faith and resilience.
It reminded all present that even in the midst of hardship, God’s love is near, and hope never disappoints.
