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Yearly Archives: 2026

LIRA CATHOLIC DIOCESE > Blog > 2026

Bishop Wanok Sends Special Greetings to the Faithful of Lira Diocese from Rome

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By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

Rome, Italy — 23 October 2026. The Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, is currently attending a conference in Rome organized by Jesus Youth. The gathering, which began early this week, is expected to conclude later this week, bringing together participants for prayer, fellowship, reflection, and the sharing of experiences in faith and evangelization.

During his participation in the conference, Bishop Wanok conveyed his heartfelt message and special greetings to the clergy, religious, and all the Christians of Lira Diocese. He extended his warm wishes to the faithful, reaffirming his spiritual closeness and pastoral commitment to the people entrusted to his care.

The Bishop’s participation in this international gathering underscores the importance of communion, collaboration, and the exchange of pastoral experiences in strengthening the mission of the Church. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the Church’s continuing call to walk together in faith, guided by the Gospel and the Holy Spirit.

Emphasizing the importance of synodality, the gathering offers a valuable opportunity to renew the Church’s commitment to listening, dialogue, participation, and shared responsibility in its mission of evangelization. Synodality calls on all members of the Church—clergy, religious, and lay faithful—to journey together, listen to one another with humility, discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and work collaboratively in building a more united and mission-oriented Church.

As Bishop Wanok joins fellow participants in Rome, his message to the faithful of Lira Diocese serves as a reminder that the Church’s mission is strengthened through unity, mutual understanding, and active participation by all the baptized. His greetings further reaffirm the enduring spiritual bond between the Bishop and the diocesan community, even as he takes part in this important international gathering.

The faithful of Lira Diocese are encouraged to keep Bishop Wanok and all the conference participants in their prayers, asking the Lord to guide their deliberations and inspire the Church’s mission of communion, participation, and evangelization.

May the Lord continue to guide Bishop Wanok in his pastoral ministry and bless the entire Christian community of Lira Diocese with faith, unity, peace, and a renewed commitment to walking together as one people of God

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Lira Diocese Entrusted with Leadership of Annual Martyrs’ Celebration and Youth Pilgrimage to Paimol 2027

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By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office Lira Diocese

Lira Diocese has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the organisation and annual celebration of the martyrdom of Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa come October 20, 2027.

The announcement was made today by the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Most Rev. Raphael P. Mony Wokorach mccj, at the climax of this year’s celebration held in Paimol.

The announcement was received with great joy and excitement by pilgrims from Lira Diocese who attended the celebration, marking a significant moment of responsibility and renewed commitment to preserving the legacy of the two young catechists.

Receiving the announcement on behalf of the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Vicar General, Monsignor Valente Innocent Opio, warmly welcomed the responsibility.

In a further announcement, Archbishop Wokorach entrusted Lira Diocese with the responsibility of taking the lead in organising next year’s Youth Apostolate Pilgrimage to Paimol. He expressed his appreciation to the diocese for accepting these important responsibilities in the life of the Church.

The new mandate presents Lira Diocese with an opportunity to deepen devotion to Blessed Daudi Okello and Blessed Jildo Irwa, promote the spiritual formation of young people, and strengthen the faithful’s appreciation of the martyrs’ enduring witness of faith, courage and commitment to the Gospel.

As the diocese prepares to assume these responsibilities, the announcement is expected to inspire greater participation among the faithful, particularly young people, in honouring the martyrs and keeping their spiritual legacy alive for future generations.

This year’s celebration was animated by Holy Rosary Deanery, Gulu Archdiocese

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Lira-Amolatar Taxi Operators Donate Shs580,000 to Support 37 Children at Ngetta Babies Home

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By Baker Okello, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese

Taxi operators plying the Lira-Amolatar route have donated Shs580,000 to Ngetta Babies Home in Lira City to support the welfare of 37 infants and children under the facility’s care.

The donation was made on Sunday, October 18, 2026, following a fundraising drive organised by the Amolatar-Lira Taxi Drivers and Conductors Association in partnership with White House Stage, Dokolo-Lira Stage and Uhuru Bar Stage.

The funds are intended to help meet the children’s daily needs, particularly the rising costs of powdered milk and essential utilities.

The contribution highlights the role community partnerships can play in supporting vulnerable children and helping care facilities meet their growing needs.

Taxi Operators Pledge Continued Support

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the chairperson of the Lira-Amolatar Taxi Drivers and Conductors Association, Mr. Okao Kizito, said the support extended to the babies’ home should go beyond the initial donation.

Okao appealed to other well-wishers to join efforts to improve the welfare of vulnerable children, emphasising the importance of sustained community involvement.

He pledged that the association would maintain its support for the facility by establishing a lasting partnership between the transport sector and Ngetta Babies Home.

He further revealed that the association plans to sustain the initiative through periodic collections of essential household supplies, clothing and food items from drivers and passengers travelling along the Lira-Amolatar route.

The proposed arrangement is intended to create continued opportunities for transport operators and members of the public to contribute to the children’s welfare.

Babies’ Home Appreciates Community Support

The vice chairperson of the Ngetta Babies Home Board, Bua John Charles, commended the transport operators for their contribution, describing it as a significant sacrifice at a time when many people are facing economic hardships.

Bua also reminded the drivers and conductors of the importance of caring for abandoned and orphaned children, noting that the infants have limited means of repaying those who support them.

His remarks highlighted the value of extending care and compassion to children who depend on others for their basic needs and protection.

Sister Calls for Greater Parental Responsibility

Meanwhile, the in-charge of Ngetta Babies Home, Sister Demmy Frances, called on parents to nurture loving relationships and take responsibility for their children to help prevent abandonment.

Sr. Demmy identified domestic violence and broken relationships as some of the factors contributing to the number of vulnerable infants brought to the facility.

She emphasised that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving family environment rather than in institutional care.

Ngetta Babies Home has previously appealed to the public for assistance, explaining that some infants arrive in poor health after being abandoned in dangerous places, including bushes and pit latrines.

Facility Supports 37 Children

Ngetta Babies Home currently provides direct care to 10 babies within its premises, while another 27 children receive support while living outside the facility, bringing the total number of children under its care to 37.

The support extended to children living outside the home includes clothing, medical care, feeding and school fees, among other essential needs.

The Shs580,000 donation adds to the community support available to the facility as it works to meet the children’s basic needs.

The association’s pledge to continue collecting essential supplies also offers an opportunity to sustain the partnership beyond the initial fundraising effort.

The contribution serves as a reminder that collective action by transport operators, businesses, individuals and other well-wishers can help support vulnerable children and improve their welfare.

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Lira Diocese Paimol Pilgrims Grow to Over 800 as Martyrs’ Commemoration Nears

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By Aruca Dickens, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese

The number of foot pilgrims from Lira Diocese travelling to Paimol Martyrs Shrine in Agago District has risen from about 300 at departure to more than 800, as Christians prepare to commemorate the martyrdom of Saints Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa on October 20, 2026.

The pilgrims are expected to arrive at the shrine between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm today, October 19, ahead of the annual commemoration honouring the two young catechists who were killed for their Christian faith.

The development was confirmed by Mr. Goddy Akio, the publicity secretary for Lira Diocese foot pilgrims, during an update to Radio Wa on Monday morning.

Akio said the pilgrims arrived at Kalongo Catholic Parish on Sunday, where they celebrated Holy Mass and participated in general cleaning activities around the parish before continuing their spiritual journey.

UPDF Soldiers Join Pilgrims on Their Journey

The pilgrimage received a boost on Monday morning when 16 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers from Acolpii Army Barracks joined the group to escort them from Kokil Sub-county to Wipolo, covering a distance of approximately eight kilometres.

Akio said the soldiers’ participation brought excitement among the pilgrims as they continued towards Paimol Martyrs Shrine for the commemoration.

The pilgrims are expected to complete the final leg of their journey and reach the shrine between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Growing Numbers Reflect Pilgrims’ Commitment

Alfred Okello, the senior adviser to Lira Diocese foot pilgrims, said participation had increased significantly since the group set off, growing from approximately 300 pilgrims to more than 800.

Okello described the increase as a sign of growing faith and commitment among Christians taking part in the annual pilgrimage.

He also expressed gratitude for what he described as blessings experienced along the journey, noting that several areas traversed by the pilgrims had received rainfall since their departure, including places that had previously experienced dry conditions.

Okello further commended Christians from different parishes for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the pilgrims along the route, saying their support had encouraged the group throughout the journey.

Honouring the Paimol Martyrs

The annual pilgrimage brings together Christians seeking to honour Saints Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, two young catechists remembered for their commitment to spreading the Gospel despite persecution.

Their witness remains an important part of the Catholic faith in Uganda, inspiring Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and service to the Church.

The arrival of the Lira Diocese pilgrims at Paimol is expected to precede the October 20 commemoration of the two martyrs at the shrine in Agago District.

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Minakulu Christians Launch Chapel Visits to Support Priests and Strengthen Evangelisation

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By Joshua Onyanga, Parish Social Communicator, Minakulu Catholic Parish

Christians of Minakulu Catholic Parish have launched a chapel-by-chapel visitation programme to support the welfare of their priests and deacon, with the parish priest highlighting the importance of solidarity between the clergy and the faithful in the mission of evangelisation.

The initiative began on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with Christians from St. Peter and Paul Apworocero Chapel and St. Monica Atora Chapel visiting their priests and deacon, bringing food items and other essential supplies in a gesture of appreciation for their pastoral ministry.

The visits were marked by excitement, singing and dancing as Christians turned up in large numbers to present their gifts.

Among the items donated were rice, chicken, bananas, beans, charcoal, maize, millet, sugar, cassava and firewood.

The initiative was started by the Christians themselves as a practical way of supporting the welfare of their priests and deacon.

Parish Priest Welcomes Christians’ Initiative

The Parish Priest of Minakulu Catholic Parish, Rev. Fr. Stephen Odwongo, thanked the Christians of Atora and Apworocero chapels for the visit, describing the gesture as particularly meaningful because it coincided with World Mission Sunday.

Fr. Odwongo observed that visiting the clergy from time to time is a good practice that expresses solidarity and appreciation for their service. Such interactions also provide opportunities for priests and Christians to engage with one another and strengthen their bonds as members of the same faith community.

He further reminded the Christians that evangelisation is not the responsibility of priests alone, but a shared mission in which every Christian is called to participate by helping spread the Word of God.

The Christians received his message with joy and pledged to continue with the initiative.

Rev Fr. Stephen Odwongo, Rev Fr. Isaac Opio share a photo moment with Christians from Atora and Apworocero Chapel

Catechist Commends Christians for Their Generosity

The Head Catechist of Minakulu Catholic Parish and Catechist of St. Peter and Paul Apworocero Chapel, Mr. Dom Docus Ogwang, also applauded the Christians for their participation and generosity, encouraging them to sustain the spirit.

Under the programme, Christians will visit their priests and deacon every Sunday, with different chapels taking turns to participate.

Minakulu Catholic Parish is served by Rev. Fr. Stephen Odwongo, who was transferred from Lira Cathedral Parish in August 2026, and Rev. Fr. Isaac Opio, who was ordained on August 6, 2026.

The first visits have set the programme in motion, with Christians demonstrating their willingness to support their clergy while embracing their shared responsibility in the mission of evangelisation.

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