Corpus Christi Weekend of Eucharistic Evangelization in Torit

The first afternoon of evangelization in Torit (click on photo to enlarge).

We arrived in Torit in the early afternoon last Thursday. Unlike the mini-miisions in Chukudum and Lowoi we planned three days of Eucharistic adoration to coincide with the weekend on which the solemnity of Corpus Christi would be celebrated. Since the first day of activities, Friday 4 June, was the day after the feast of the Uganda Martyrs (June 3), we picked up on that theme in the talks and showed a film recounting their story after night fall. I introduced the general theme we would be following for the three days, Fr. Lawrence spoke on Divine Mercy, Br. Diego on reconciliation and Dennis on the Uganda Martys (one of the martyrs, St. Dennis Ssebuggwawo, is his patron).

Br. Diego with the banner with a photo of the Uganda Martyrs.

The Commissioner of Torit County joined us on Friday
afternoon and shared a reflection with the crowd.

Attentive young listeners.

Fr. Lawrence speaking about Divine Mercy.

A "well balanced" view from the rear of the crowd.

On Saturday morning we joined the parish community for Mass, for which Fr. Lawrence was the main celebrant and preacher. Following Mass we brought Jesus in the Holy Eucharist in procession from the parish church to the meeting room we converted into an adoration chapel at the House of Mercy.

Fr. Lawrence celebrating Saturday morning Mass.

People praying before Jesus in the adoration chapel.

Throughout Saturday morning there were Holy Hours scheduled for different groups of people: women, men, youth and children, which different members of the team took turns leading. On both Saturday and Sunday afternoons there were several hours of silent adoration for anyone who wanted to spend some time in prayer with the Lord.

Fr. Sylvester preaching about healing and the Eucharist.

After the talks on Saturday afternoon we brought the Blessed Sacrament out for a time of public adoration and a Eucharistic healing procession.

A little boy comes face to face with Jesus.

It's wonderful to have prayerful and faith-filled musicians!

Br. John Baptist and Samuel Oryem.

On Sunday the theme of the talks turned toward our life in the Church. Carol Restaine shared about the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our lives. Dennis Kiyimba spoke about following Jesus. And Br. John Baptist exhorted us to evangelize, referring to the example of St. Bakhita of Sudan.

Carol Restaine sharing about the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Carol with the young women members of our
St. Daniel Comboni Missionary Youth group.

Fr. Herald and two young local team members preparing
Vespers in the Madi, Acholi and Lotuko languages.

We concluded our three days of Eucharistic Evangelization with a solemn Holy Hour, celebration of Vespers (Evening Prayer) and Benediction, followed by a dramatized film version of the life of St. Bakhita of Sudan. Before the film began we distributed more than 3,000 prayer cards with an actual photo of St. Bakhita to those who were in attendance.

Closing solemn Holy Hour, Vespers and Benedition on Sunday.

The crowed that gathered at dusk for Sunday's film on the life of St. Bakhita.

To donate online, please CLICK HERE.