Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, Saved my Life

by Fr. Paul Celestine Lokunume  |  09/06/2025  |  Weekly Reflection

Dear friends,

As we celebrate the Memorial of Mary, our Lady of Sorrows, this week, I feel first and foremost deeply saddened because of the recent gun attack injuring and killing some innocent school children inside the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Why should hate be embraced by any human being against other human beings when all people are wonderfully created in the image and likeness of God? (Genesis 1:26-28) My heartfelt condolences go to all who suffer loss, grief, and sorrow. May peace prevail on earth if we all consider each other a brother/sister, a friend, or a neighbor. Our world will become a wonderful world. Oh, yes, it will become a wonderful world indeed!

Our Lady of Sorrows represents the Virgin Mary's profound suffering and grief, particularly the "Seven Sorrows of Mary," which are seven significant events in the life of Jesus and Mary’s connection to his Passion and death. This title emphasizes her deep compassion, her solidarity with her suffering Son, and her role as a mother who understands human pain. Mary shares our sorrows and the pains of the mothers and parents whose children the world denies to live life to the full. Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows provides comfort and hope to those experiencing their own trials.

Thirty-two years ago, Mother Mary saved my life from imminent death. Three gunmen (confirmed by their shooting positions) attacked priests and seminarians between St. Mary’s and the Apostles of Jesus Nadiket Seminary in Moroto, Uganda. I was one of those who was caught in the terrible ambush. Taken by surprise after a Soccer match between the Miracle Workers Team and Mazzoldi Stars of Moroto (taking place 25 kilometers away in Kangole), we returned by car, and as we reached the Diocesan Seminary, we opted to walk while chatting and laughing, as we had only one kilometer to reach our Seminary gate.

No sooner had the jokes and stories about the missed goals begun than the explosive sounds of live bullets raining down on us were heard. I saw bullets rapidly coming towards me and then turning upward away from me. Overwhelmed by fear and trembling, I fell on the ground without understanding anything until everything turned quiet. I heard the gunmen say, ”These 'things' have escaped!“ I was overcome with false courage and almost spoke to them using the very bad language they used to call us “things!” Inwardly, I was groaning and silently crying with deep sighing, asking God why this happened to us, and pondering why and how he had saved me when one of our brothers who was far away from where I lay got shot?! Sobering up, I touched my right-hand pocket and immediately this great feeling rushed over me: Even though I had gone to play Soccer, I had my Rosary in the pocket, and God seemed to answer me loudly: “That is your shield today and always.”

I truly believed that the Blessed Mother saved my life from imminent danger and death. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Consoler of the afflicted and the Mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, protect us all now and always. Amen.