Since it had rained almost the entire night before, it didn't take long for our vehicle to get stuck in the mud. Since we were just a few kilometers outside of Torit, we called for help. But with the help of the youth, who literally jumped right in, we were back on our way in about a half hour. We didn't get stuck again, but did get a flat tire and blew out a shock absorber before we reached the border. We arrived at Dennis' home and were warmly welcomed by his mother, aunt and sisters, at about 11:30 pm.
We made it to the shrine, about a 45 minute drive from Dennis' home, late in the morning the following day as Eucharistic Adoration was taking place on the main stage. It was the largest host and monstrance I had ever seen, and the entire crowd of about 10,000 people had their attention fixed on Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. As we knelt in front of the altar, I was overwhelmed by the awareness that this gathering was directly connected to the first Catholics who were martyred on the sight over 100 years ago. When the Eucharist was reposed, the response of the crowd reminded me of what the original Palm Sunday must have been like. People spread their blankets and clothes on the path, waved flags and handkerchiefs, and thronged around and behind Fr. Bashabura, who was carrying the Blessed Sacrament.
People were present from all over Uganda and from all walks of life, men, women and children. Many camped out overnight on the beautiful grounds of the shrine. I was very moved by their energy, enthusiasm, and heartfelt faith and love for Jesus.
The liturgies were as lively as the other events of the conference, and each one had three full blown processions: entrance, welcoming of the Word of God and offeratory, each coordinated by a different diocese or group. At one of the Masses the Scriptures were carried by a child riding atop two people who acted as a donkey; at another the Scriptures were brought up in a shrine made of branches. During the offeratory processions people presented an amazing variety of gifts, including fruits, vegetables and plastic chairs. At every procession there was jubilant dancing and people attired in traditional tribal dress.
One of the most beautiful moments during the conference took place at the end of the last evening. After renewing our Baptismal vows and being sprinkled with holy water, a candle held each of the participants was lighted with a flame from a candle representing Christ and commissioned to be a missionary and witness of the Gospel.
The theme of the conference was, "Return to the Upper Room," and the principal speaker was Patty Gallagher Mansfield from the US, one of the students on retreat at Duquene University in Pittsburgh in February of 1967 when the Catholic Charismatic Renewal began. She shared her Catholic faith and charismatic experience in a beautifully integrated way.
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