Black Catholic Ministry Commission, African Catholic Committee
Approximately 250 people gathered for the 11th Annual Ugandan Martyrs Liturgy presented by the African Catholic Committee of the Black Catholic Ministry Commission of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on Saturday, June 2nd. The liturgy was hosted by St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, (St. Ben’s) in Milwaukee.
Our celebration opened with a welcome and libation performed by the director for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. It was then followed by twenty-two youth who held placards with the names of the Ugandan Martyrs as we collectively prayed the Ugandan Martyrs Litany developed by Bishop Joseph Perry prior to the start of Mass.
Although attendance was slightly lower this year, we had participants from the following parishes of the archdiocese:
All Saints
St. Benedict the Moor
St. Martin de Porres
Blessed Savior
St. Margaret Mary
St. Peter and Paul
Two factors contributed to the lower number: (1) the weather – major rain storm and limited parking and; (2) location – many related after the event that they did not know where the parish, which is located in the heart of the city was.
The liturgy incorporated members of the parish and representatives from SIX African countries for the readings and the prayers of the faithful. African nations represented included:
Uganda
Kenya
Nigeria
Cameroon
Senegal
Ghana.
Our celebrant was newly ordained Fr. Alexander Nwosu. Concelebrants were Fr. Michael Bertram (St. Ben’s pastor) and Fr. Luka Kanga.
Donations from attendees were made to support St. Anthony’s Apartments, a new ministry for the homeless in the community.
