HUNDREDS GRACE 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF BLESSED DR. JOSEPH AMBROSOLI

Pilgrims at 3rd anniversary of Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli

By Odong Stephen

Gulu City

Over 1,500 pilgrims from different dioceses from within and outside Uganda on Monday July 28, 2025 attended the 3nd anniversary celebration of Blessed Joseph Ambrosoli at Kalongo catholic parish in Agoga district, Gulu archdiocese.

This Annul memorial prayer reflects on Dr. Ambrosoli’s life and contribution in serving as an inspiration for other Christians.
 
Joseph Ambrosoli was born on July 25, 1923 in Ronago, a small town in the Province of Como, Italy, he was an Italian catholic priest and professed member from the Comboni missionaries of the heart of Jesus the Divine Master.
 
He served as a doctor and surgeon as well as being a philanthropist and educator in the mission in Uganda.
 
Dr Ambrosoli died on 27 March 1987 at the Comboni Mission in Lira after he had been diagnosed with kidney disease.
 
Dr Ambrosoli was beatified on November 22, 2022 from Kalongo parish.
 
The archbishop of Gulu archdiocese Most Rev Raphael p’Mony Wokorach who was the main celebrant encouraged the faithful to emulate Dr. Ambrosoli’s remarkable simplicity and dedication.
 
“If today we are making memory of him with great joy its simple because he did the ordinary thing with extra ordinary faith, his love was great we see how much time he spent listening to the cry of those who come to seek healing. We thank God for his response to this calling and for being very compassionate in ministering to the sick to the extent that he has left a very honorable memory in the church and in our communities,” said Archbishop Wokorach.
   
The chairperson organizing committee for this year’s anniversary Mr. Quinto Owot emphasized the need for greater awareness of Dr Ambrosoli’s celebration beyond local circle to foster its growth.
 
“One challenge we face is that we are not making Ambrosoli well known. To address this, I urge the archbishop to consider serious mobilization through platforms like radio and other places where we can speak about him and also incorporate Ambrosoli story in the catholic programs, which would help spread his legacy worldwide, so I believe by this, the initiative will improve,” Owot urged.
 
Morish Ocaka the assistant Resident District Commissioner Agago district said Dr Ambrosoli was a great man because his faith was expressed not only through prayer but through compassion in action, he reminds us that holiness is not a distant dream, it is the live experience of love, humility and a wavering service in to God’s people.

Meanwhile the chairperson LC5 Agago district Hon. Opiyo Leonard Ojok urged the congregation to follow the footsteps of Dr Ambrosoli.
 
“My humble request is that we emulate Dr Ambrosoli’s example of love, mercy, and healing, I urge us to follow his footsteps.  Let’s cultivate love for each other, avoid lies and embrace others with the same kindness Ambrosoli demonstrated, and this will lead to a better world,” said Ojok.
 
A Comboni lay missionary of Uganda serving as a General secretary at Mbuya Parish Solomon Alunyu a foot pilgrim who trekked for 13 days from Kampala to Kalongo to attend Dr Ambrosoli memorial prayer said it was faith and grace of God that allowed him to reach Kalongo catholic parish.
 
“I thank God and those who supported me with prayers and financially because without your support I would have not reached here,” Alunyu expressed.
 
He appealed to the youth to embrace faith and be united because with unity the youth can make a very great foundation in this country.
 
Another pilgrim from Mucwini west in Chua east Kitgum district, Thomas Mussolini Tokwiny who was the only foot pilgrim from kitgum district stated that he decided to make his pilgrimage because this is how one can give thanks to God for his love and protection.
 
According to the chairperson in charge of the pilgrims, Mr.  Charles Olanya Oweka, they were expecting 2000 pilgrims for this 3nd anniversary.