All Souls, Jinja, Uganda – Deceased Mill Hill Missionaries Remembered
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb. 13: 7-8
Today, the Holy Church celebrates All Souls’ Day, a day of profound significance in our faith. It is a blessing to set aside time to remember and honor those who once walked beside us in this earthly journey and have now found their eternal rest with God, our loving Creator.
On this special day, some Friends of Mill Hill (FOMH) had the privilege of visiting the final resting place of two beloved Mill Hill Fathers who dedicated their lives to the Diocese of Jinja in Uganda: Reverend Father Henry Bone, who departed from this world in 1990, and Reverend Fokko Ros, who followed in 1992. It was a moment to reflect on their unwavering commitment to our faith and the significant contributions they made to our community.
Our visit was not merely a pilgrimage to their graves; it was an act of love and remembrance. We gathered together and embarked on cleaning and tidying the entire cemetery. The physical act of caring for their resting place was a tangible expression of our respect and gratitude for the legacies they left behind.
After the cleaning, we came together in prayer to remember, honor, and celebrate the lives of these remarkable fathers in faith. We offered our intentions and asked for their intercession on our behalf, knowing that they continue to watch over us from their place in God’s eternal embrace.
As we left the cemetery, our hearts were filled with a profound sense of peace and unity with those who have gone before us. We were reminded that today, we visited these holy fathers, but tomorrow, it might be our turn to be visited by those who follow us in the journey of faith.
Let us carry the spirit of All Souls’ Day with us throughout the year, remembering and praying for all the souls who have departed, and let their legacies inspire us to live our lives in accordance with the teachings of our Lord. May we find strength and comfort in the communion of saints, always guided by the love of God.
In faith and unity,
Fr. Placide Elia
Coordinator of the Friends of Mill Hill (FOMH) in Uganda
