June 2026 - LIRA CATHOLIC DIOCESE

Bishop Wanok Calls for Greater Support for Vocations and Diocesan Mission.

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

Christians from across Dokolo Deanery, accompanied by their priests, on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, warmly welcomed the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, during his pastoral deanery visitation to the area.

The pastoral visit brought together priests and Christian leaders from different levels of the Church to reflect on the pastoral life of the Diocese and receive guidance from their shepherd on the way forward.

Accompanied by Vicar General Monsignor Vallente Innocent Opio, Bishop Wanok shared important updates concerning the life and mission of the Diocese. He called upon Christians to generously support the formation of future priests through the September Mission Appeal for Seminarian Formation, noting that Lira Diocese currently has 118 major seminarians preparing for the priesthood. He explained that the increasing cost of formation, including tuition, accommodation, books, medical care, formation programmes, and pastoral training requires the support of the entire Christian community.

The Bishop also appealed for continued support towards St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Aboke, encouraging every parish, institution, schools, and Small Christian Communities to contribute generously towards the education and formation of future priests in Lira diocese.

Speaking about vocations, Bishop Wanok announced with gratitude that this year 2026, Lira Diocese has been blessed with 11 candidates to be ordained to the priesthood, eight candidates to the diaconate on 6th August 2026. He urged Christians to pray for vocations, encourage young people to respond to God’s call, support families that offer their sons to the Church, and accompany seminarians through both spiritual and material support.

Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, he reminded the faithful that, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37).

As the Diocese prepares to celebrate Diocesan Day on 11 July 2026, the Bishop encouraged every parish to organize prayers for the Diocese, teach the faithful about the history and mission of Lira Diocese, mobilize participation through Small Christian Communities, and promote diocesan solidarity through generous offerings and contributions.

In his catechesis, Bishop Wanok emphasized that Small Christian Communities should become vibrant communities of faith rather than merely existing as groups. He urged Christian leaders to strengthen these communities so that every member of the faithful actively participates in the life and mission of the Church.

The Bishop further encouraged families to plan for their development by investing in productive activities such as food crop cultivation and poultry keeping. He called upon parents to raise their children with dignity, responsibility, and strong Christian values, while preparing them for responsible Christian marriage and ensuring sound moral formation within their homes.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Wanok called for a new way of working within the Church based on dialogue, unity, and peaceful collaboration. He likened the Church to an anthill, where every member contributes harmoniously without causing confusion, but works together for the common good.

He also highlighted six pastoral pillars that will continue guiding the Diocese: Health, Catechesis, Education, Caritas, Accountability, and Media. He urged Church leaders to exercise transparency and integrity in their work and to promote the responsible use of media as a tool for evangelization and unity.

The Bishop thanked all those who attended the meeting and encouraged them to embrace a spirit of renewal as the Diocese continues strengthening its pastoral mission.

In their response, the priests and Christian leaders received the Bishop’s message with great joy and excitement, expressing their commitment to support seminarian formation, contribute to the mission appeal for St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Aboke, promote vocations, and implement the pastoral guidance shared during the meeting. They thanked Bishop Wanok for his fatherly leadership and pastoral concern for the growth of the Church in Lira Diocese.

Following the conclusion of his pastoral visit to Dokolo Deanery, the Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok and his pastoral team will proceed to Apac Deanery on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, to continue the diocesan deanery pastoral visitation.

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Bishop Wanok Begins Fourth Pastoral Visit to Dokolo Deanery with a Call to Walk Together in Christ.

*Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok on his Fourth Pastoral Visit to Dokolo Deanery*

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

Dokolo, 30 June 2026 – The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, today commenced his fourth pastoral visit to Dokolo Deanery with a meeting of priests and Christian leaders drawn from the parishes that make up the deanery.

The meeting, currently taking place at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish, Dokolo, has brought together representatives from St. John Fisher Catholic Parish Amolatar, St. Luke the Evangelist Parish Aputi, St. Francis of Assisi Parish Abuli, Our Lady of Fatima Parish Agwata, and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish Dokolo.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Wanok warmly welcomed the participants, expressing gratitude for their dedication to the mission of the Church and for gathering to encounter him during his pastoral visit.

Introducing the purpose of his visit, the Bishop noted that the Church has embarked on a renewed journey of walking together through catechesis, inspired by the spirit of synodality. He reaffirmed the theme of his pastoral visits:

“Walking Together in Christ: Communion, Participation and Mission for a Eucharist-Centred Community.”

The Bishop emphasized that every Christian is called to walk together in Christ, fostering unity and strengthening the bonds of communion within the Church. He encouraged the faithful to embrace the synodal journey through mutual listening, shared responsibility, and active participation in the life and mission of the Church.

Focusing on catechesis about the Holy Eucharist, Bishop Wanok reminded the participants that the Eucharist is the source of the Church’s strength because it is Christ Himself who nourishes His people. He stressed the importance of helping all Christians—from children to parents—to understand, value, and faithfully receive the Body of Christ.

“The Holy Spirit empowers us to participate in the mission of the Church without fear,” the Bishop said, urging the faithful to respond generously to God’s call.

Reflecting on the priesthood, Bishop Wanok described the priest and the Eucharist as inseparable, explaining that the primary mission of every priest is to lead God’s people to encounter Christ in the Eucharist. He noted that full communion within the Church is rooted in active participation in the Eucharistic celebration.

The Bishop further observed that communion begins within the family, especially through the vocation of Christian marriage. He encouraged families to cultivate the habit of praying together, describing the family as the first school of faith and communion.

He also underscored the importance of mutual listening as a cornerstone of effective synodality, calling on all members of the Church to listen attentively to one another and to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The pastoral session continues with the Bishop offering further catechesis on the nature of a synodal Church. This will be followed by group discussions, during which participants will share their reflections and experiences as part of the synodal process.

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Over 9,000 Children Expected for Missionary Childhood Sunday Celebrations in Lira Diocese

*Bishop Wanok is gifted a chicken from a little boy*

The development was confirmed by Rev. Fr. Steven Odwongo, the Director of the Pontifical Missionary Society for Lira Diocese, during an exclusive interview with our reporter on the sidelines of a preparatory meeting held at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira City.

By Dicken Aruca, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese

At least 9,000 children under the Pontifical Missionary Society (PMS) from various parishes across Lira Diocese are expected to participate in this year’s Missionary Childhood Sunday celebrations scheduled for July 19, 2026.

According to Fr. Odwongo, this year’s celebrations will be hosted by St. Peter’s Anai Catholic Parish under the theme drawn from Mark 16:12-16: “As a Child of Missionary Childhood, I Can Evangelize.”

He explained that Missionary Childhood Sunday is traditionally celebrated nationally on the second Sunday of July. However, in Lira Diocese, the event has been rescheduled to July 19 because the usual date coincides with a diocesan function.

Fr. Odwongo noted that each parish is expected to send at least 250 children, bringing the anticipated attendance to approximately 9,250 participants from 37 parishes and sub-parishes across the diocese.

He added that the annual celebration is intended to nurture evangelization among children and strengthen their participation in church activities, including leading liturgical celebrations, scripture readings, prayers, and other faith-based activities.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Pontifical Missionary Society for Ngetta Deanery, Tonny Oding, said preparations for the event are progressing well to ensure a successful celebration.

Oding revealed that several planning meetings have already been conducted at both parish and deanery levels to coordinate participation and logistics. He called upon parents and guardians to support and encourage their children to take part in the event as a way of strengthening their faith and missionary spirit.

Church leaders have expressed optimism that this year’s Missionary Childhood Sunday celebrations will inspire children to become active ambassadors of the Gospel and strengthen their commitment to Christian values. The event is also expected to foster unity among young Catholics from across Lira Diocese while promoting their role in evangelization and service to the Church.

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Lira Diocese Prepares for Diocesan Day Celebration with Call for Unity and Evangelization

Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok Bishop of Lira Diocese and Rt Rev Joseph Franzelli, Bishop Emeritus of Lira Diocese cut a cake during the 57th Diocesan Day celebrations 2025 at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral, Lira Diocese

The Bishop emphasized that every member of the Church has a vital role in building the Body of Christ. He noted that priests, catechists, religious men and women, and the laity are all called to participate actively in the Church’s mission, ensuring that no one is excluded from the journey of faith.

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Sanctus Lino Wanok, has announced that the Diocesan Day celebration scheduled for July 11 will be a special occasion dedicated to thanksgiving, renewal, and strengthening the mission of the Church.

The Bishop made the remarks while meeting priests and Christian leaders from parishes under Ngetta Deanery at Ngetta Parish Hall.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Wanok reflected on the theme: “Walking Together in Christ: Communion, Participation and Mission for a Eucharist-Centred Community.” He explained that the celebration will provide an opportunity for Christians to thank God for the growth of the Diocese, strengthen diocesan unity, celebrate the Church’s synodal journey, and support evangelization and faith formation.

*Apac Danery Choir animating the 57th Diocesan Day celebrations 2025 at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral, Lira Diocese*

He further reminded Church leaders that the Holy Eucharist remains the source of the Church’s strength and unity. According to Bishop Wanok, the Church is undertaking a renewed synodal journey aimed at bringing together the scattered people of God into one family united in Christ.

The prelate also stressed that every baptized Christian is called to serve according to the gifts and guidance of the Holy Spirit. He encouraged believers to take responsibility for evangelization and contribute to strengthening the life and mission of the Church.

On the importance of unity, Bishop Wanok called for closer collaboration among Church movements, associations, chapels, and parishes. He observed that strong chapels build vibrant parishes, while united parishes contribute to a stronger and more effective Diocese.

Explaining the vision of a Synodal Church, the Bishop said it is a Church where people listen attentively to God and to one another, participate according to their vocations, share responsibility for the Church’s mission, and place Christ and the Holy Eucharist at the centre of their lives.

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Bishop Wanok Calls for Unity, Active Faith, and Strong Christian Leadership in Aboke Deanery

*Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok addressing priests, pastoral council members, and Christian leaders from across Aboke Deanery at St. Paul’s Catholic Parish, Aboke*

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, communications Office, Lira Diocese

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called on priests and Christian leaders to work together in promoting unity and participation within the Church, emphasizing that the mission of every Christian begins at baptism.

Addressing priests, pastoral council members, and Christian leaders from across Aboke Deanery at St. Paul’s Catholic Parish, Aboke, on Wednesday, Bishop Wanok said the Church’s mission is to ensure that everyone walks together in faith.

Speaking about the Synodal Church, the Bishop highlighted three key pillars: the use of individual gifts, shared responsibility in the Church, and keeping Christ at the centre of activities.

“We are gathered here today to reflect on the mission given to us at baptism,” he said, stressing that no one should receive the sacrament without understanding its meaning and responsibilities.

The Bishop described baptism as the gateway into the Church, the Body of Christ. He explained that through baptism, Christians leave behind the ways of the world and begin a new journey with Jesus Christ, marked by a new life in faith.

According to Bishop Wanok, baptism enables believers to appreciate and understand the Word of God, which should remain a priority and guide in everyday life. He cautioned Christians against drifting away from the path of Christ and pursuing personal interests at the expense of their faith.

In his catechesis on baptism, the Bishop noted that the sacrament calls Christians to become prophets, priests, and kings who dedicate their lives to the service of humanity and live as witnesses of Christ’s light.

He further emphasized the importance of every Christian family owning a Bible, describing the Word of God as the primary point of reference for believers.

“The Word of God should guide our daily lives because it reveals what Christ is telling us every day,” he said.

Reflecting on the Synod, Bishop Wanok encouraged Christians to embrace a new culture of listening. He challenged the faithful to examine whether they are truly attentive to God’s voice and to one another.

Using the example of young chicks listening attentively to the call of their mother hen, the Bishop said the Synod invites Christians to develop a deeper and more attentive way of listening in order to discover Christ more fully.

Turning to leadership, Bishop Wanok underscored the need for strong and capable leaders within the Church and society.

“A good leader is not defined by what he or she has, but by who he or she is,” the Bishop said. “A true leader possesses the capacity to unite people and build communities around a common purpose.”

On the Sacrament of Matrimony, the Bishop urged Christians to reflect on the values that should guide marriage. He emphasized that marriage should be founded on genuine love between a man and a woman and expressed concern that some parents discourage their children from embracing the sacrament.

He called on parents to nurture their children from an early age in Christian faith and maturity, enabling them to make informed and faith-filled decisions about their future.

Speaking about consecrated life, Bishop Wanok acknowledged the important role of parents in helping their children discern their vocations. He noted that young people may be called to religious life as priests, brothers, or sisters, while others may be called to marriage.

According to the Bishop, proper discernment becomes possible when families live in peace and journey together in faith.

The Bishop’s address to pastoral council leaders continues at St. Paul Catholic Parish, Aboke

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Salvation of the whole person; body, soul and mind.“ I have come so that they may life and have it to the full” (John. 10:10b)

Monthly Archives: June 2026

Bishop Wanok Calls for Greater Support for Vocations and Diocesan Mission.

Bishop Wanok Begins Fourth Pastoral Visit to Dokolo Deanery with a Call to Walk Together in Christ.

Over 9,000 Children Expected for Missionary Childhood Sunday Celebrations in Lira Diocese

Lira Diocese Prepares for Diocesan Day Celebration with Call for Unity and Evangelization

Bishop Wanok Calls for Unity, Active Faith, and Strong Christian Leadership in Aboke Deanery