Emmanuel Nigel: "The 33rd Anniversary of St. Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Visit to Gulu, Uganda: A Celebration of Profound Faith, Hope, and on the Path of Peace."

By Emmanuel Nigel

‎Piemonte House

‎Date: Friday, February 6th, 2026

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Magnificent: Today, Friday, February 6th, 2026, we commemorate the 33rd Anniversary of the historic Apostolic Visit of St. Pope John Paul II the Great to Gulu, Uganda on Saturday, February 6th, 1993. His presence among the people of Northern Uganda was not merely a Pastoral Visit - it was a powerful sign of Solidarity, Healing, and Hope. St. Pope John Paul II the Great a Shepherd among His People 33 years ago, Gulu, Uganda was blessed with the presence of a Saint. St. Pope John Paul II the Great stood among the Faithful, encouraged us to remain strong in Faith despite trials and hardships. It was a great blessing to have St. Pope John Paul II the Great in Gulu, Uganda.

‎At a time when the Acoli Land and Northern Uganda were faced with deep wounds and uncertainty, His Holiness came as a Shepherd and a Vicar of Christ, reminding the people that Christ walks with them in every suffering. His message of Peace, reconciliation, and Steadfast Faith continues to echo in our Hearts today. "The Celebration of the Holy Mass which he celebrated at Kaunda Grounds, Gulu remains very great calling us to trust in the Lord God much as we are faced with hardship and a Sacrifice which unites us with Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. We will never stop moving with Christ. Will always love Him."

‎I was barely 3 years old when St. Pope John Paul II the Great came to Gulu, Uganda, and with my reflection now. "The 33rd Anniversary of St. Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Visit to Gulu, Uganda: A Celebration of Profound Faith, Hope, and on the Path of Peace." I think it was a great exhilaration with the Apostolic Visit of the Vicar of Jesus Christ, Pope John Paul II with that great Apostolic visit to the people of Acoli quite eminent on that lovely day: Saturday, February 6th, 1993 greatly glorious and amazing, and to those welcomed the Holy Father.  We commemorate the Apostolic Visit and holds a Celebration of Profound Faith, Hope, and on the Path of Peace. I am delighted by the Apostolic Visit because Pope John Paul II came to Gulu when there was much suffering and hard life due to the tragedy of the Lord's Resistance Army [LRA] rebels with horrible activities that ravaged the lives of Acoli and Northern Uganda. There was war in our land between the Lord's Resistance Army [LRA] rebels and the Government of Uganda. There was no Peace. It's great that we are experiencing Peace in our Region now.

‎As we mark this 33rd Anniversary of St. Pope John Paul II the Great, we renew our commitment to Unity, Peace, Forgiveness, and Unwavering Trust in the Lord God’s Providence.  As Christians, we must always focus on Unity, Peace, Forgiveness, and Trust in the Lord God's Providence.

‎Most Holy Father our God,

‎I thank You for the gift of St. Pope John Paul II the Great and His Apostolic Visit to Gulu 33 years ago.

‎I thank You for the Pontificate of St. Pope John Paul II the Great

‎May His legacy of Forgiveness, Courage, Peace, and Faith continue to inspire the Humanity and the Mother Church in our Country (Uganda).

‎Heal our Land, strengthen our Unity,

‎Give us Peace, bless all the Christians, and Help us to walk always in the Light of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

‎Papa Yoana Paulo Maleng me Aryo, Leg Pi Wan!

‎St. Pope John Paul II, Pray For Us!

‎Sancte Papa Joannes Paule II, Ora Pro Nobis!

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