In Africa, Priest Set on Fire During Catholic Procession… Virgin Mary Appeared and Saved Him

On September 14, 2025, a peaceful Catholic procession in the rural village of Nakasangala, Uganda, was shattered by an unimaginable act of violence. Father David Okeello, a beloved priest known for his dedication to the community, became the target of a horrific attack when a man named Peter Kato, suffering from severe mental illness, set him ablaze. What followed defied every expectation and transformed Father David into a symbol of faith, resilience, and divine intervention.

A Day of Celebration Turns to Horror

The day began like any other, filled with anticipation and joy as parishioners gathered to celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Dressed in their finest attire, the villagers came together to partake in a cherished tradition that had been observed for decades. Father David, a humble servant of God, was at the forefront, leading the procession with a brass cross, embodying the spirit of faith and community.

As the procession wound through the village, the atmosphere was vibrant. Children sang, adults prayed, and the air was filled with a sense of unity and purpose. However, unbeknownst to them, lurking in the shadows was Peter Kato, a troubled soul whose mind had spiraled into delusion. Believing that demons had infiltrated the church and that Father David was a deceiver, Peter prepared to unleash chaos.

The Attack

As the procession approached its second station, Peter stepped forward, unnoticed by the crowd. In a swift motion, he doused Father David with gasoline and struck a match. Flames erupted instantly, engulfing the priest in a raging inferno. Witnesses described the horror as screams filled the air, and chaos erupted. People scrambled to escape the unbearable heat, but Father David stood firm, seemingly unaffected by the flames consuming him.

For nearly two minutes, he remained upright, engulfed in fire, a sight that should have resulted in immediate death. Medical science dictates that exposure to such intense heat for that duration would lead to catastrophic injuries. Yet, Father David did not scream. Instead, he instinctively began to pray, his lips moving silently as flames tore through his cassock and burned his skin.

A Divine Presence

As the flames reached their peak, something extraordinary happened. Witnesses reported seeing a figure in blue robes appear behind Father David, arms outstretched as if to protect him. Descriptions of the apparition were consistent among those present, with many claiming it was the Virgin Mary herself. The air shimmered around Father David, and in that moment of despair, hope emerged.

Suddenly, the flames began to die down, extinguishing as inexplicably as they had ignited. Video footage captured the moment, showing Father David still standing amidst the smoke, his body charred but alive. The figure in blue vanished as the fire subsided, leaving the crowd in awe and disbelief.

Medical Miracles

When emergency responders arrived, they found Father David conscious and coherent, a stark contrast to what they expected after such severe burns. His vital signs were remarkably stable, defying medical logic. Despite suffering burns over 70% of his body, he displayed no signs of shock or respiratory distress, which are typical in such cases. Instead, he requested water and stood awaiting medical attention, refusing to sit down.

Doctors who treated him were baffled. The severity of his injuries did not match his condition. Healing began almost immediately, with areas of second-degree burns showing signs of recovery within days, a process that typically takes weeks or even months. Medical experts documented this miraculous healing, noting that it challenged everything they understood about burn recovery.

The Investigation

News of Father David’s miraculous survival spread rapidly, drawing attention from local and international media. The Catholic Church initiated an investigation into the events, interviewing witnesses and examining medical records. Father John Waswa, tasked with gathering testimonies, spoke to over a hundred individuals who had witnessed the event. Their accounts consistently described the figure in blue, further solidifying the belief that something supernatural had occurred.

However, not everyone saw the apparition. Some witnesses only observed the flames and Father David’s miraculous survival. This inconsistency is not uncommon in reports of miraculous events, where some perceive the extraordinary while others do not. The church recognized this phenomenon as part of the mystery of faith.

A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness

In the months that followed, Father David continued to heal, both physically and spiritually. He returned to his parish, where he celebrated Mass with visible scars as a testament to his ordeal. His homilies took on a new depth, reflecting his experience of suffering and divine presence. He spoke of forgiveness, love, and the strength found in community, emphasizing that his survival was not about him but about the message of hope and grace.

Father David also sought to reach out to Peter Kato, the man who had attacked him. In a remarkable display of compassion, he visited Peter in the psychiatric facility where he was being treated. Their meetings were private, but staff reported that both men wept together, sharing a bond forged through suffering and forgiveness.

The Legacy of Faith

As the investigation into the events of September 14 continued, Father David’s story became a beacon of hope for many. Pilgrims traveled to Nakasangala to witness the site of the miraculous event, seeking inspiration and healing. The small church that had once served a modest community now overflowed with visitors, drawn by the powerful narrative of faith and resilience.

Father David remained humble, insisting that the focus should be on worship and service rather than on commemorating his survival. He continued to serve his parish, embodying the lessons learned from his experience. His life became a testament to the belief that grace exists, that divine presence accompanies us through our darkest moments, and that love is stronger than violence and hatred.

Conclusion

The events of September 14, 2025, left an indelible mark on the community of Nakasangala and beyond. Father David’s miraculous survival and the mysterious figure witnessed by many have sparked discussions about faith, miracles, and the nature of divine intervention. Whether viewed through a religious lens or a scientific one, the story serves as a reminder of the power of love, forgiveness, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

In the end, Father David’s journey is not just about survival; it’s about living a life poured out in service to others, a life that continues to inspire and uplift those who encounter it. The real miracle, perhaps, is not what happened during the fire, but what has flowed from it since—a community strengthened in faith, a priest dedicated to his calling, and a message of hope that transcends understanding.