The role of Caritas Maddo towards the integral development of the people of Masaka Diocese in light of the papal encyclical “Populorum Progressio”

Abstract

Understanding development is a process that entails procedures and guidelines which promote it in an area. Goals of a development venture are aimed at realizing positive results for the people to whom a better life is projected towards. Masaka Diocese being rural to a large extent needed organizations that can help to promote development for the people especially due to the scars left by political instabilities over the time. CARITAS MADDO is an organization that was established to bring new relief into the structures of Masaka Diocese and to ensure that sustainable development is integrally enhanced. Since its foundation, a lot has been achieved. However, despite its tremendous efforts to bring new life anchored on development, there are still many challenges to development in Masaka Diocese. Because of these challenges, many people no longer see the positives of CARITAS MADDO in Masaka Diocese. This paper was aimed at unveiling the role that CARITAS MADDO has played in Masaka Diocese and also call upon the people of Masaka to get involved in its efforts for the good of the Diocese. The researcher majorly set out to investigate the role played by CARITAS MADDO towards the integral development of the people of Masaka Diocese in light of Populorum Progressio, so that its efforts are better realized and supported by the whole populace. The study has identified the projects and programs of CARITAS MADDO and all other procedures it has taken to promote sustainable development in Masaka Diocese. Amidst a plethora of literature encountered by the researcher, it was identified that, development is vital if peace is to be achieved. All authors from both the secular and church trends attest to this fact. Populorum Progression on which this study was based clearly brings out the role of CARITAS MADDO when Pope Paul VI connects development to peace. CARITAS MADDO’s major aim is to promote peace in all spheres of life in Masaka Diocese. After visiting published literature, the researcher proceeded to the field of Masaka Diocese and tried to investigate about the role of CARITAS MADDO. A variety of tools and instruments were used notably, Oral Interviews and Questionnaires accompanied by observation and his pastoral experience. The respondents’ views indicated that CARITAS MADDO has indeed promoted sustainable development in Masaka Diocese but in other areas it has not performed well. All respondents who took part in the study called upon the concerned authorities to support and promote the good work being done by CARITAS MADDO because its efforts have taken the Diocese to another level through its programs and activities. Major findings indicate that CARITAS MADDO is a vital organization in Masaka Diocese. The weaknesses of CARITAS MADDO cannot be based upon to dust the good work it has deposited on the face of Masaka Diocese. The challenges that CARITAS MADDO faces in undertaking its programs and activities to completion are responsible for the weaknesses that are seen by the people. The findings however indicate that to overcome such challenges cannot be a one night trick of forgery but it should be a combined effort of the people, Government, the Diocesan authorities and CARITAS MADDO itself. The study called upon all those concerned to continue supporting the cause of CARITAS MADDO. The study also called upon all concerned individuals of good will to support the programs and activities of CARITAS MADDO. This study ended by indicating that, the role played by CARITAS MADDO can never be underrated but it indicates how much it can do if supported by everyone in Masaka Diocese.