Hope and Healing: Trenton Residents Experience Life in Uganda

Catholic Relief Services
Monday, 8 September 2003

At the heels of President Bush's trip to Africa, 14 Trenton residents traveled to Uganda to immerse themselves in the life of ordinary Africans and learn first-hand the challenges of—and hope amidst—the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

But unlike the president's whirlwind visit, the delegation from the Catholic Diocese of Trenton spent two weeks just in southern Uganda. The trip was part of a partnership built between the dioceses of Trenton and Kasana-Luweero. Now two years old, the partnership is designed to foster cultural exchange across continents and support for HIV/AIDS programs in the Ugandan diocese. The program, Global Solidarity Partnership, is sponsored by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the humanitarian aid and development arm of the U.S. Catholic Church.

"This trip is not just about supporting HIV/AIDS programs—though there is great need for that support," said Chris Arthen, global programs manager for CRS. "The individuals who traveled to Uganda, as well as the residents of Kasana-Luweero, are learning and expanding the definition of who is our brother, our sister, our family."

The group left for Uganda Aug. 20 and returned to Trenton Sept. 5. Among the delegates were young adult members and lay leaders of the diocese. The visit to Kasana-Luweero took them to parishes throughout the diocese, allowing them to also participate in the care provided in AIDS health clinics and programs for children orphaned by the disease.

The Trenton delegation also participated in the first youth conference between the two dioceses, giving young adults and youth the opportunity to share one another's music, culture and experiences.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org