“Annual Pilgrimage Honoring Bishop Gasi Abangite: A Spiritual Journey of Renewal and Communal Unity”
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
The tale of celebrating the life of Titarani Bishop Gasi Abangite began in 2012 during the joyous commemoration of the First Centenary in Mupoi. According to Bishop Eduardo, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY), People embarked on pilgrimages, traversing miles upon miles, guided by the compass of faith. Under the guidance of Fr. Mark Kumbonyeki, the faithful from St. Mary Mother of God Yambio walked with unwavering determination. Others, like Fr. Moudie from Bakhita, Fr. Richard Mangu from Naandi, Fr. Jacinto in Ezo, Fr. Bagare and Fr. Githinji in Rii-Yubu, Fr. Basana and Sangu in Tombura, and Fr. Kumyangi in Nzara, along with their parishioners, joined in this spiritual odyssey.
On his statement of August 24th, shared with the Rurugene Online Newsletter, the prelate stated that the annual celebration of Bishop Gasi day is an opportunity for the renewal of their faith and as a CDTY family they need to hold onto it and use it profitably.
“Titarani Bishop Gasi Day is yet another milestone and a home opportunity for the annual renewal of our faith. As a diocesan family, we need to hold to it firmly and build our spiritual riches. Every one of us needs to use it profitably well for us as individuals and for those we stand up for as leaders or collaborators”.
He added that “Pilgrimage is a meaningful journey to a sacred place. It provides the opportunity to step out of the non-stop business of our lives, to seek a time of quiet and reflection. It gives us the chance to ‘walk through’ those issues that we have on our minds, whatever they might be. It is a time of simply ‘being’ rather than always ‘doing’”.
He further said that Pilgrimage is a communal affair, where strangers become companions on the road. Conversations flow like rivers, and bonds are formed like unbreakable threads. Physical, mental, and spiritual energies are rekindled, and a symbiotic connection with nature and cultural roots is re-established.
“Pilgrimage was a communal affair, where strangers became companions on the road. Conversations flowed like rivers, and bonds formed like unbreakable threads. Physical, mental, and spiritual energies were rekindled, and a symbiotic connection with nature and cultural roots was reestablished”.
Bishop Kussala explained that through the pilgrimage, the faithful rediscover the essence, in the footsteps of Titarani Bishop Gasi, the pilgrimage finds solace, inspiration, and an unbreakable connection to the eternal.