Thank You Mr. President!

 

                                                               Source: White House

A Glorious July 4th

 

Happy July 4^th  

Happy July 4th!

 

It is a glorious day,

This Fourth of July,

Say, can you see

A grand place,

On this 250^th anniversary.  

A beacon of freedom,

The calm after a storm,

A blessing to the world,

We are part of a fold,

A light and gracious momentum.

We proudly celebrate,

in us a gleaming twilight,

Within the waving star-spangled banner,

A liberty touchstone and honor,

A land of the free and the home of the brave.

Deepening spirituality and growing a Christ-like life. This is how Africa diaspora communities do it: An African Martyrs' Day in USA

Community can act as a driveway to God's eternal glory. 

The main celebrant in the middle and co-celebrants on either side, 

Saint Mary's Catholic Church 

Landover Hills, MD

Every now and then, through Godly acts, we take a sip of the thirst quenching waters of eternity (John 4:14).  Peace is like a river. It flows from you to me and from me to you. Spirituality is the riverbed through which the river of peace ceaselessly flows. The currents are the dynamic force giving the river its fervent flow into a distant future. A nation, any nation, dedicated to the Almighty God receives lasting bounty and people live fulfilled lives because they backed their trust in a faithful God. When two or more God-fearing nations share cultures they receive God’s glory so many folds which in turn manifests as cosmopolitan and egalitarian aspirations.

And so it is when the Africa diaspora communities in America conduct worship, social and cultural events which contribute to the civic kaleidoscope of America. Between May to June 2026 in the DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area several get-together events were conducted by Africa diaspora communities. 

The Islamic community in Springfield concluded a well-attended Eid Aduha event. The Cameroonian community led and concluded a planning meeting in which strategies were laid to facilitate a more visible engagement in community events. The Ghanaian community led the Saints of Africa event with memorable animation and worship billed as one of the best. These and many others are some of the many testaments of the critical voices proclaiming the greatness of God (Matthew 10:27).  

The Africa diaspora communities use social and cultural activities to grow a Christ-like lifestyle. It is a lifestyle grounded in cognizance of the public nature of charity, participation in a life through actions that make God's kingdom experienced on earth.

The time prior the Uganda Martyrs' Day celebration may have gone like this.  Word of mouth, a reminder message, planning committee activities, a father making sure the family is ready for the day's event.  Somewhere a loving mother is showing her child how to tie that shoelace.  A younger sibling is led by an older one through a pew to where they are to sit during Mass. Parents continue supporting a child who is going through the processes preparing her or him to be a Catechumen.  The Pastor's message alert lights up with a text about a delivery of janitorial products to be made two days before the event. The choir goes through Mendel's Alleluia after which they tune the membraphonic instruments to accompany the music. 8 adolescents who volunteered to serve as sacristans as well as serve during the Mass are taken through the nine yards of such a calling. Rehearsals for the Gloria which will be said in Latin are taking place. The choir has to find time to go through all the Church music from all parts of Africa chosen to be sung during the service. A catering team makes sure Jane or Michael who expressed fear of allergenic exposure during a prior survey are catered for. The family cars to transport members are well maintained. The clothes to wear are pressed and in place. People are drawn in silent contemplation about how to give glory to God every minute through life's activities. Over there at the sanctuary the priests who conduct the Holy Mass prayers have their palms clasped as a sign of piety. Two young adults in their mid-twenties called in two days back at their places of work and asked for a day-off so that they could attend the event.  Everyone in this space is taking up roles which become the critical events culminating into showing up for Holy Mass and all post-service events. 

These experiences are a continuation of praise, worship and acknowledging God in our midst. These experiences are the actions behind our witness of God's glory shared with each other. The good actions are a yearning for God. Our small steps as everyday saints bring us fulfilled joy at a personal and community levels. This joy comes with responsibility and accountability without doubt. To be an everyday saint also means we are called to carry an every minute responsibility and second-by-second obligation. They manifest as devotion, charity, dedication, duty, jubilation and living fulfilled lives. The heart's intentions manifest publicly in the form of social values, compassion, connectedness and missionaries for Christ. 

There is vibrancy, a renewal and brimming spirituality. The responsibility of being a follower of Christ and a propensity to adopt actions that reflect Jesus in all of us are actions which are our own journeys into and with Christ.

And so it was that on the 20^th of June the DMV Uganda diaspora community represented by well-wishers, Catholics, Uganda Martyrs’ Society and the Holy Martyrs of Uganda Community members participated in the celebration of the Uganda Martyrs’ Day 2026 which began with a Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Landover Hills MD. The theme was “Christ our peace, breaking the walls, healing the nation.” The main celebrant was the Most Rev. Roy E. Campbell Jr. Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington.

During the prelude right before introductory rites, Saint Mary’s Church’s interior lights high up in the ceiling were like a fountain pouring joy on all congregants.  Lights beaming with bespoke brilliance affirm the on-going reverence in this worship space. The ushers identifiable by murram-brown sashes direct the congregants toward the sitting area. Time is ticking away toward 4:00 pm. Two cultures who tell time differently have so far reached the last minutes simultaneously. African time and American time have agreed with each other! A few minutes before 4:00pm, a triumphal entry procession led by the Most Rev. Roy E. Campbell Jr., Priests, servers and those chosen to represent the Martyrs with sashes having the Martyrs' names marched in dignified step to the music by the choir. An atmosphere of reverent solemnity is amplified by crimson vestments of the priests, the glittering gold and silver articles around the interior.  The clergy and congregants adopt a humble posture as the main celebrant greeted the congregation and led the service. This filled our hearts with exuberance and a sense of God’s presence.

During the Homily, the main celebrant emphasized the benefits of having the Martyrs whose examples can be used as lessons to steadily keep on the path to God’s glory. The Bishop showed us examples of how the Martyrs remained faithful to God despite all the pressures to give up. He concluded by exhorting all of us to “grow in faith,” and “not to be afraid.” This was the Gospel’s message as well. In ending his Homily, the Bishop instructed all of us to emulate Christ who is the way, the truth and life (John 14:6). Jesus is the clear path to God, he concluded. The imagery is like that riverbed we were introduced to earlier.  Jesus leads us to eternity if we make him our companion. He is the bread of life (John 6:35) and love turning into the currents and renewing in us the vitality to march forward together into heaven's eternity. After the blessing and dismissal, we had photo opportunities with the celebrants, sacristans, the ones who represented the martyrs and other members of the congregation.  

A reception followed which was fused with Afro-music, dance, drama, poetry and music recitals, children-themed activities and recognizing those who continue to make such events solidly part of the routine in the DMV. I walked through the tables during the reception. Guests were engaged in conversation on many topics and I noticed almost all people had put away their phones. Physical meetings like these where God is part of our actions promote a culture of getting along. Connection and affection thrive in a space like this. Buddies and pals were catching up on a number of things. Acquaintances were renewed. I met a Ugandan from Sweden who visits his relatives here in the DMV around Summer time. He remarked that they have similar activities in Sweden too. This space is like a whetstone upon which we revitalize our individual and social manners like turn-taking, listening, recognizing others and living in the present moment.  There is magic in re-making our social spaces into catalysts for living in the present where God is a key participant too. It is a faith-filled space where self-care moves side by side with community sensibilities.  Children continue running around later to be called by their parents on the way back home. The MC speaks over the conversations guiding the guests through the rest of the activities of the day.

The Gospel is a source of information describing how Jesus normalized the transcendental nature humans adopt when they center God in their life's agenda. God, through grace has made it possible for all humans to be heiresses and heirs of the Kingdom. Jesus guides us on how to dream about heaven. The Martyrs through their actions gave us a roadmap on how to make it to heaven. This is a folklorist bucolic narrative that can easily become an urban story.  The Martyrs, from Kizito, Ngondwe, Ssebugwaawo, Balikuddembe, Sserunkuuma to Lwanga have shown us that everyone of us has a role, responsibility and status to play.  The repertoire of talents, artisanship and gifts each Martyr had and used to contribute to the grandeur of Buganda Kingdom in the 1800s can be one's first stop to understanding who the Martyrs were. Scholars who study Buganda Kingdom argue it depended on regular workers in Palace courtyards, the clans and families. So in order for people to stay motivated, the Kingdom was resplendent with recognition rites, rigorous on fairness and promoted leadership. However, this came with acceptance of a workload most times way above one's weight.  The Martyrs were child prodigies, were trained and could punch way above their weight. The biggest motivation was recognition.

I said my farewells and left to return to D.C.

The Martyrs are remarkable and walked the talk: Fear not!

Fr. Linus with his back to the camera was talking to a group while Bishop Roy and Dr. Muyunga-Mukasa had another snapshot. This photo was taken by Josephat Katundabwile, a Graduate Engineering student at the Catholic University of America.

The author of this blog, Dr. Muyunga-Mukasa is passionate about health promotion and education. In this picture he is telling Bishop Roy that he chronicles events of the Africa diaspora communities in the Americas and that one day he hopes to write a book that will be used as a text. This photo was taken by Josephat Katundabwile, a Graduate Engineering student at the Catholic University of America.

The space that accommodates intergenerational activities. The Uganda Martyrs were brought up in such spaces. We not only celebrate the Martyrs but we emulate their examples and turn them into instruction. We can never be so busy as a community to never find time for God, our own self-care needs, our loved ones and our children. This photo was taken by Josephat Katundabwile, a Graduate Engineering student at the Catholic University of America.

Rev. Fr. Linus and the rest of the priests led by example.  From a Biblical point of view Jesus said, let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these ( Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; and Luke 18:16).  From a medical-psychological point of view children gain developmental and social benefits when they are guided to engage in shared, intergenerational, or what are termed as adult environments. These events become age-appropriate spaces too. Children are able to relate with real-world social cues which in turn improve their cognitive flexibility and enhance a sense of belonging. This photo was taken byJosephat Katundabwile, a Graduate Engineering student at the Catholic University of America.

Recognizing effort! When communities spare time to say thank you and have a culture promoting saying sorry and please, a critical mass of motivated people thrive in such a setting. Thank you to the team behind the Uganda Martyrs' Day celebrations. This photo was taken by Josephat Katundabwile, a Graduate Engineering student at the Catholic University of America.

It was the moment for children to shine through their songs. This photo was taken by the author. 

Reception time! A communal meal reduces effects of isolation, enhances social cohesion, promotes stress reduction through what is termed as nature immersion, and improves emotional health driven by the act of communal conversations around shared themes, eating and feeling of being part of something bigger. People are able to fill in gaps and catch up on new things.  This photo was taken by the author.

Recitals by adolescents and younger adults.  There is an association between civic engagement in adolescence and outcomes during adulthood among youth. Civic engagement has an effect on youth development over time. Positive and socially agreeable events promote better civic, social, and behavioral outcomes. Events such as the Uganda Martyrs' Day celebration are critical social cues modelling adolescence and young adults to acquire knowledge and skills leading to responsible adulthood portraits. This photo was taken by the author.

Liturgy of the Eucharist. This photo was taken by the author.

                                       The main poster was shared by Mr. Kawunde Deogratius.

The "Martyrs" attended the Holy Mass. A close look at the team which represented the Martyrs. One can note the murram-brown sashes! This This photo was taken by the author.

 

Rev. Fr. Linus on the right of the author of this blog posing with the Most Rev. Roy Edward Campbell, Jr. Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington. This photo was taken by Ivan Omagor, a Graduate Engineering student at the Catholic University of America.

Dr. Muyunga-Mukasa and Bishop Roy.  This photo was taken byJosephat Katundabwile, a Graduate Engineering student at the Catholic University of America.

Africa diaspora in America honor God's marvels through social and cultural liturgy during the celebration of the Saints of Africa event

A poster announcing the event

The Most Reverend Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington; Rev. Robert Boxie III, Bishop-elect of the Archdiocese of Washington; His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Seraphin Rouamba of the Archdiocese of Koupéla in Burkina Faso; Father Angel Gabriel Fermín, the Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows; and many guest priests presided over the celebration of Saints of Africa-2026 held at the Our Lady of Sorrows, Takoma MD.

The Celebration of the Saints of Africa was held on Saturday, June 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET. The theme for this year was “United in Christ, We Walk in the Light of God” Hebrews 10:23”. This Mass celebration was organized by the African Catholic Association (ACA) with the support of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. Our Lady of Sorrows is located at 1006 Larch Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912.

Many others were part of organizing this event key of whom are: Rev. Fr. Ebuka Mbanude at mbanudee@adw.org; Deogratias Miti Kawunde at 240-605-7987 or acadmvinfo@gmail.com; Colette Tumenta at 240-302-0975 or yayatumenta@yahoo.com; and Alex Danco at 571-337-9797 or lexidan6771@aol.com.

Africa Catholic diaspora in America revitalize reverence to God through social and cultural liturgy. Our public display of hope, love and faith continue to make us witnesses and missionaries.  We are promised eternity by a loving God. We are catalysts of the Lord's prayer most especially as co-creators acknowledging "thy kingdom come" and our vulnerability wrapped in garbs of humility  together  opening ways for "thy will be done."

We serve God out of gratitude through many ways. One of this is to set time aside to participate in activities that revere God and increase joyfulness amongst us. It can be every day acts of life or liturgical pursuance. The acts resonate with Saint Francis of Assisi's exhortation to "preach the Gospel and if necessary use words."  We build and maintain means to be participants in the Sacraments for example, the Holy Eucharistic, Penance, Baptism, Confirmation, Holy oils, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the sick and Confession. In participating in the Sacraments we publicly show our hope, love and faith. The African Diaspora in America converts these virtues through individual spheres of influence.

The Ghanaian Catholic community in America bore witness of Christ on this day during the celebration of Saints of Africa. They co-hosted a memorable event which is now part of a collective memory and narrations about God. It was also a day for the Africa diaspora in America to showcase how social cultural events will be part of the activities maintaining humans on a path to God.

I enjoyed. The Mass was a triumphal magnet where all who met at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Takoma MD, partook in adoration and Divine presence dancing like flames that warmed our hearts individually. A child repeated a chorus from one of the hymns after its last note had long ceased. A parent quietened the child. Three adolescents bobbed their heads to the beat of a hymn. An elderly usher nodded in assent to key messages during the Homily. I was among many somewhere in the last pews. I felt a peace that soothingly fed my body and soul.

 After Mass, we were invited to a reception where I had the chance to talk to many people some from South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Nigeria, Mexico, Philippines, and Ethiopia to name but a few countries represented. The room filled not only with happy people but perceptible vibrancy, joy and a sense of accomplishment. This was yet another event that informs many about the gifts and promises of God in our midst. I volunteered to ferry chairs. We were served delicious West African dishes. I saw the many people from Africa and other parts of the world seeing each other and communicating among themselves in those universal expressions such as whispers or shouts of joy and excitement. We were entertained through poetry recitals, open mike presentations and music. I danced.

I asked two colleagues to, kindly,  give me a lift up to Takoma Metro Station where I would catch a train (Metro) to return to my place 3 miles away. 

While on the Metro my mind was playing the events back and forth. 

Africans adore God with reverence and joyfulness at the same time. So, one can imagine giving joy while getting it at the same time. It is therapeutic as much as it is like taking small sips from a cup of spirituality that center God in our quest for a fuller exemplary life. Participating in social and cultural events that elevate the presence of God remind me of a bumper sticker wording "You are what you eat."

Africa Diaspora Catholics fuse faith and civic activities into navigational tools. 

They have turned their social and cultural events into enduring reverent extensions through which they can continue to enhance the beauty and experience of the kingdom of God in America. Each and every one of us has a role to play as a bricklayer and builder of God's kingdom. All of us are beneficiaries of the promise of God's eternity. Let us act as if it matters to us quire markedly.

 

A Toast To The United States of America By Tom Rogers Muyunga-Mukasa

 

Studying in the USA, African student in America, Education attainment of Africans in America, Tom Rogers Muyunga-Mukasa, Global Health Promotion Specialist, Community Organizer, Epidemiologist, Behavioral Scientist, Researcher, Content Developer, Social Mobilizer, Grant Writer, Physical and Mental Health Promotion Specialist, Biostatistician, Systems Thinking Subject Matter Expert

Inauguration-2025

Mr. Donald J. Trump,

epitomizes the belief,

Dream bigger, 

and you will see the relief,

Be steadfast,

and your mind grows larger,

The feet move firmly,

The hands hold tightly,

The passion polishes your dream,

Gather around your close people,

Make the effort,

For hope gets back to you.

Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Africa: Comic Book

 Characters:

Mugabe (Spade)

Mandela (Phone)

Mukasa (Matchstick)

Nambi (Mirror)

Nyaga (Tree)

Habib (Book)

Jane (Pen)

Mugabe (Spade): When you are rich you eat the chicken and the eggs but when you want to be richer eat the chicken and not the eggs.

Mandela (Phone): You cannot be free unless everyone is free.

Mukasa (Matchstick):  We have an obligation to be good to ourselves and others.

Nambi (Mirror): It takes a village to rear a child.

Nyaga (Tree): Health is necessary for a fulfilling life and life fulfills health.

Habib (Book): We are God's beautiful creatures.

Jane (Pen): There are so many ways to contribute. The moon may not burn like the sun but they both give us light.

Fact about Africa: Not all black people come from Africa.