CHILDREN SET FOR HOLY CHILDHOOD MISSIONARY SUNDAY CELEBRATION IN GULU

Pupils from Mary Immaculate Primary School after a talk show mobilization the masses ahead of the event.

Biko Rombe

Gulu City

The Catholic faithful of Gulu Archdiocese are preparing for the annual Holy Childhood Missionary Sunday celebration, scheduled for Sunday, July 12, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Gulu, where thousands of children from across the archdiocese are expected to gather for a day dedicated to faith, evangelization, charity, and talent.

The event, organized by the Pontifical Missionary Society in Gulu Archdiocese, will bring together children from all the 35 parishes and various Catholic schools under the theme, “As a Child of Missionary Childhood, I Can Evangelize,” inspired by Mark 16:14–16.

Speaking ahead of the celebration, Fr. Alfred Kizito Ayella, the Director of the Pontifical Missionary Society in Gulu archdiocese, said preparations are in advanced stages, with several planning meetings already held involving parish and school animators.

“We are happy that many schools and parishes have responded positively. This celebration is not only about gathering together but also about putting faith into action through evangelization and charitable works,” Fr. Ayella said.

As part of the preparations, children will participate in outreach activities before the main celebration. On July 8, groups from different schools will visit children’s wards at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor, Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Pabo Health Centre III, Opit Health Centre III, St. Joseph’s Hospital Kitgum, and Kitgum General Hospital, where they will offer support and share gifts with young patients.

Pupils from Mary Immaculate primary School during a talk show to create awareness and mobilize the community for the Child Missionary Sunday

The charity campaign will also include visits to St. Jude Children’s Home in Gulu and the Pece Remand Home on July 9, reflecting the missionary motto, “Children Helping Children.”

According to Fr. Ayella, the charitable visits demonstrate that evangelization extends beyond preaching.

“Evangelization is not only by carrying the Bible or speaking about Christ. It is also about showing love through acts of kindness and compassion,” he said while appealing to parents, teachers, and well-wishers to support the children with both material and financial contributions.

The archdiocese expects nearly 4,000 children to attend the celebration. Organizers estimate that preparations, including meals, accommodation for visiting participants, and logistics, will cost approximately UGX 14 million, prompting an appeal for additional support from the faithful and the wider community.

Among the organizing committee members, Ocen Paul Oliseh, a teacher and member of the Holy Childhood Missionary Organizing Committee in charge of publicity, described the event as a special day dedicated to recognizing children’s contribution to the Church.

“Our Mother Church has set aside this day to appreciate children for the role they play in the life of the Church. We invite everyone to come and celebrate with us as the children lead the day’s activities,” he said.

Oliseh explained that children will take charge of the liturgy, serving as commentators, readers, choir members, and leaders of the Prayer of the Faithful during Mass. The celebration will also feature cultural performances, drama, speeches, music, poetry, and other talent presentations.

He noted that this year’s celebration coincides with the second anniversary of the installation of the Archbishop of Gulu, his grace Rapheal P’mony Wokorach providing another occasion for the Catholic community to celebrate.

Schools and parishes have each been requested to contribute UGX 65,000 toward organizing the event, although organizers acknowledge that additional support will still be needed to meet the overall budget.

Teachers are also using the occasion to prepare children spiritually and socially. Jacqueline Apio, a teacher at Christ the King Demonstration School, said learners have been rehearsing dramas, speeches, poems, discussions, and role plays centered on the Gospel message and charitable service.

She said the biblical theme encourages children to recognize Christ’s presence in their lives and to become messengers of hope through love, kindness, and service to others.

“Our responsibility is to help children grow into God-fearing citizens who care for the vulnerable, support the needy, and become ambassadors of Christ in their communities,” she said.

Children themselves are taking an active role in promoting the celebration. Pupils from Christ the King Demonstration School used radio messages to encourage fellow children to attend the event, deepen their faith, avoid harmful behaviors such as drug abuse, and participate in charitable giving.

The pupils also appealed to parents and guardians to accompany their children to church, support their spiritual growth through family prayer, and provide offerings that will contribute to missionary work and assistance for vulnerable children through the Pontifical Mission Societies.

Organizers say Holy Childhood Missionary Sunday remains one of the Church’s major celebrations dedicated to nurturing children’s missionary spirit while encouraging them to become active participants in evangelization through prayer, charity, and Christian witness.

The celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Gulu, with thousands of children expected to participate in what organizers describe as a day of worship, service, learning, and joyful celebration of faith.