On the 23rd October 2021, a conference was held in Plock to reflect on the impact of John Paul II pastoral zeal during his lifetime. There were quite a number of participants in attendance and facilitators with a vast wealth of knowledge shared their experiences.
Besides the other presentations, special tribute was made to Africa with a passionate sharing on, the impact of John Paul II Visit in fostering ecumenical dialogue in Uganda, whose visit to Uganda (5th -10th February 1993) brought a new dawn to appreciating the need for Christian Unity. This reflection was made by Fr Polycarp Opio, a priest from Lira Diocese, Uganda and a student at UKSW, together with Fr. Walter Ukurikirimfura, a priest from Rwanda who presented on the Impact of John Paul II Visit to Rwanda (7th -9th September 1990), with a message of Peace, Unity, Love and Hope.
The memories of John Paul II’s visit to all the African countries leaves fresh memories to the people of Africa because of his pastoral zeal to traverse most countries in the world, but above all for the messages of Hope, Peace and Love, a message which still remains relevant to date. He was really a man with a big heart. No wonder, there are so many visible memories erected, like, schools, orphanages, hospitals, youth centers, monuments… to keep the freshness of John Paul II visit to Africa. May the Light of John Paul II keep shining.
Fr. Polycarp Opio
