New Bishop of Kabale Catholic Diocese Gubazire Bosco Bonaventure, MAfr
By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr. Bosco Bonaventure Gubazire, MAfr, of the Missionaries of Africa, as the new Bishop of Kabale Diocese, ushering in a new chapter in the leadership of the diocese following the retirement of Bishop Callistus Rubaramira.
The appointment was officially announced through the Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda and later communicated to hundreds of faithful who gathered at Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale.
Bishop-elect Gubazire becomes the fourth Ordinary of Kabale Diocese and the second member of the Missionaries of Africa to lead the diocese after Bishop Robert Marie Gay.
Ordained to the priesthood on August 10, 2003, by Bishop Callistus Rubaramira, Bishop-elect Gubazire has been serving as the Rector of St. Martin of Tours Formation House in Ejisu, Ghana.
Although he was unable to attend the announcement ceremony in person, Bishop-elect Gubazire sent a message expressing gratitude for the confidence the Holy Father had placed in him. He admitted that his initial reaction to the appointment was to ask, “Why me?” but said he accepted the responsibility with humility and trust in God.
He entrusted his episcopal ministry to God’s guidance, asking for the grace and strength to serve the people of Kabale Diocese with dedication, faith and love.
Bishop Callistus Rubaramira will continue serving as Apostolic Administrator of Kabale Diocese until Bishop-elect Gubazire is ordained and canonically takes possession of the diocese.
The appointment follows Bishop Rubaramira’s resignation after attaining the canonical retirement age of 75, in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Canon Law governing diocesan bishops.
Established on February 1, 1966, Kabale Diocese has been under Bishop Rubaramira’s pastoral leadership since 2003. The appointment of Bishop-elect Gubazire marks the beginning of a new pastoral mission as the diocese prepares to welcome its fourth bishop.
The clergy, religious and faithful of Lira Diocese join the Universal Church in congratulating Bishop-elect Bosco Bonaventure Gubazire and the people of Kabale Diocese on this joyful occasion.
Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok during the 58th Diocesan Day Celebration at the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira Diocese
By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called on the faithful of the Diocese to embrace a life of communion, participation and mission, urging every baptized person to take an active role in building a holy and missionary Church.
Bishop Wanok made the call during the celebration of the 58th Diocesan Day of Lira Diocese, a diocese under the watchful care of the Uganda martyrs. The celebration held at Uganda martyrs cathedral focused on the theme: “Walking Together in Christ: Communion, Participation and Mission for a Eucharist-Centered Church in a Synodal Church.”
The celebration brought together representatives from parishes across Lira Diocese, including the laity, religious men and women, and priests, reflecting the unity and communion of the Diocese. The presence of the clergy gathered around their Bishop was a visible expression of priestly collegiality, fraternity and their shared commitment to the mission of the Church.
This year’s Diocesan Day celebration was animated by Dokolo Deanery, whose vibrant liturgical preparations enriched the occasion. Their choir led the congregation in the celebration with their melodious hymns, beautifully blending songs in Lango with hymns in Ateso and Kumam. This rich cultural and liturgical harmony was a powerful expression of the unity, diversity and universality of the Church, demonstrating how different communities come together as one family in Christ.
In his homily, the Bishop reminded the faithful that the Diocesan Day was an occasion of thanksgiving, renewal and celebration of God’s faithfulness since the establishment of Lira Diocese on 12 July 1968.
“Today, we celebrate the faith that has been handed on to us. We celebrate the family of God that is Lira Diocese and all that God has done among us. Above all, we celebrate that Christ continues to walk with His people,” Bishop Wanok said.
Reflecting on the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine,” the Bishop emphasized the dignity and responsibility of every baptized Christian.
He said that before people identify themselves through tribe, profession, political affiliation or social status, their first identity is found in Christ through Baptism.
“Every baptized person matters. No one is too poor, no one is too young, no one is too old, and no one is insignificant. Every baptized person has received gifts from the Holy Spirit and has a place and mission in the Church,” he said.
Bishop Wanok challenged the faithful to draw inspiration from the Uganda Martyrs, who, despite being ordinary lay people, remained faithful to Christ and gave their lives for the faith.
“The Uganda Martyrs chose Christ over comfort, truth over compromise, and eternal life over earthly security. Their witness challenges us today to take our Baptism seriously and strive for holiness,” he said.
Walking Together in Christ
The Bishop explained that synodality means walking together as a people of God because Christ walks with His Church.
Drawing from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians, he highlighted humility, gentleness, patience and love as essential qualities of a synodal Church.
“Synodality is walking together because Christ walks with us. It is listening to one another because the Holy Spirit speaks to all the baptized. It is discerning together because the mission belongs to Christ,” Bishop Wanok said.
He expressed his desire to see every parish in Lira Diocese become a true family where Christians pray together, listen to one another and support those in need.
“My dream for Lira Diocese is that every parish becomes a true family; that no widow feels abandoned, no elderly person forgotten, no young person useless, and no family carries its burdens alone,” he said.
Dokolo Deanery Choir animating the 58th Diocesan day at the Uganda Martyrs cathedral, Lira Diocese
The Eucharist at the Heart of Diocesan Life
Reflecting on the Gospel account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Bishop Wanok encouraged Christians who feel discouraged or distant from God to recognize that Christ continues to walk with them.
He noted that many people today experience struggles that lead them away from faith, including family challenges, unemployment, addiction, violence and loss of hope.
However, he emphasized that Christ meets His people, listens to them, speaks through Scripture and reveals Himself in the breaking of the Bread.
“Everything changes at the table of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the heart of the Church. It is where strangers become brothers and sisters, where sinners receive mercy, and where Christ forms us into one Body,” he said.
The Bishop warned that receiving the Eucharist must lead to a transformed life, calling Christians to reject corruption, hatred, tribalism, dishonesty, violence and all forms of injustice.
“We cannot receive the Body of Christ and continue destroying the Body of Christ in society. The Eucharist must transform us,” he said.
A Call to Mission and Servant Leadership
Bishop Wanok reminded the faithful that the Eucharist sends Christians out on mission, just as the disciples of Emmaus returned to Jerusalem after encountering the risen Christ.
He said that every baptized person is called to bring Christ into homes, villages, schools, hospitals, workplaces and communities.
Addressing young people, the Bishop encouraged them to build their lives on Christ and resist forces that threaten their future.
“You are not only the future of the Church. You are the Church today. Develop your talents, work hard, pray faithfully and serve generously,” he said.
The Bishop also appealed to leaders in government, institutions, parishes and families to embrace servant leadership.
“Leadership is not a privilege. Leadership is service. Uganda does not simply need more leaders; Uganda needs servant leaders who fear God, respect human dignity and seek the common good,” he said.
Renewing the Mission of Lira Diocese
At the conclusion of his homily, Bishop Wanok invited the faithful to renew four commitments: to cherish their Baptism, to walk together as one people, to place the Eucharist at the centre of their lives, and to become missionary disciples.
He said that by living these commitments, Lira Diocese would become not only a successful Diocese but a holy Diocese.
“A Diocese where communion overcomes division, where participation replaces exclusion, where mission conquers fear, and where the Eucharist shapes every decision,” he said.
The Bishop concluded by invoking the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, asking that they accompany the Diocese on its synodal journey.
“May the Risen Lord, whom we recognize in the breaking of the Bread, continue to bless Lira Diocese, so that walking together in Christ, we may become ever more a Church of Communion, Participation and Mission, centered always on the Holy Eucharist,” Bishop Wanok prayed.
During the Eucharistic Celebration marking the 58th Diocesan Day, Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok formally admitted 11 seminarians as candidates for Holy Orders, a significant milestone in their journey of formation as they prepare for ordained ministry.
The Bishop also instituted nine seminarians into the ministries of Lector and Acolyte, entrusting them with greater responsibility in the proclamation of the Word of God and service at the altar as they continue their formation.
As part of the celebration, the faithful from across the Diocese presented gifts to the Bishop in both cash and kind as a sign of their gratitude, solidarity and support for his pastoral ministry. The offertory reflected the shared commitment of the people of God to the mission of the Church and their partnership with the Bishop in advancing the pastoral work of the Diocese.
By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Vicar General of Lira Diocese, Monsignor Valente Innocent Opio, has announced that the Diocese is preparing for its 58th Diocesan Day celebrations scheduled for Saturday, 11 July 2026, describing the annual event as the “family day” of the Diocese.
Monsignor Opio made the announcement while addressing participants during the Bishop’s pastoral visit to Apac Deanery yesterday at Apac Catholic Parish.
He explained that although 12 July marks the actual anniversary of the establishment of Lira Diocese in 1968, this year’s celebrations have been brought forward to 11 July to enable greater participation by the faithful while still commemorating the Diocese’s historic foundation.
According to Monsignor Opio, this year’s Diocesan Day will be observed in two dimensions: as a celebration of faith and as a renewed commitment to the life and mission of the Diocese.
He noted that parishes with outstanding contributions towards the construction of the Bishop’s House are expected to fulfill their commitments before the celebrations. Meanwhile, parishes that have already completed their obligations will be encouraged to make voluntary contributions in support of the Bishop’s pastoral ministry, according to their ability.
Monsignor Opio said the celebration aims to thank God for the gift of Lira Diocese, strengthen its synodal journey, and deepen unity among the faithful as one family of God.
He also commended Christians for their continued support towards diocesan development projects, particularly the renovation of the Cathedral and the construction of the new Bishop’s House, urging them to remain generous and committed to advancing the Church’s mission.
The Vicar General further called on all parishes to prepare spiritually through prayer, educate Christians about the history and heritage of the Diocese, ensure the participation of Small Christian Communities, and encourage the active involvement of young people, women, and religious during the celebrations.
The pastoral engagement also featured discussions on key issues affecting the Diocese, including priestly and diaconate ordinations, support for vocations, and presentations by the Diocesan Vocations Office, all in the spirit of the Church’s synodal journey.
Lira Diocese was established on 12 July 1968 to spearhead the evangelization mission and pastoral care of the Catholic faithful in the Lango sub-region. Over the past 58 years, the Diocese has experienced significant growth in faith, pastoral outreach, institutional development, and service to the people.
Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok during his pastoral visit in Aloi Deanery
By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, lira diocese
ALOI Parish, Lira Diocese — The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has challenged Christian families to remove cultural practices that hinder couples from celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, saying strong Christian families are essential for building a united Church rooted in Christ.
The Bishop made the appeal today 4th July, 2026, while addressing hundreds of Christian leaders from parishes under ALOI Deanery during his pastoral visit to ALOI Parish, the headquarters of ALOI Deanery. The gathering brought together Christian leaders, priests and religious from ALOI, Omoro, Alanyi, Aliwang, Orum and Abongodyang parishes.
The visit forms part of Bishop Wanok’s pastoral tour of all deaneries in Lira Diocese, accompanied by his Vicars, to personally deliver a pastoral message to the lay faithful. The pastoral visits are being conducted under the theme: “Walking Together in Christ: Communion, Participation and Mission for an Eucharist-Centred Community.”
Welcoming the Bishop and his delegation, the Dean of ALOI Deanery, Fr. Bernard Approved, thanked the diocesan leadership for making time to meet the faithful.
“We are honoured to receive our Bishop and his team. This visit strengthens our faith and reminds us of our shared mission in the Church,” Fr. Bernard said, urging participants to listen attentively to the Bishop’s message.
In his address, Bishop Wanok thanked Christians for responding to the invitation and particularly commended the faithful from Omoro Parish, noting that they arrived early despite travelling the longest distance.
He explained that the deanery visits were intended to create an opportunity for direct interaction with Christians and encourage greater participation in the life and mission of the Church.
Reflecting on the theme of the pastoral visit, Bishop Wanok stressed that genuine communion and participation can only be achieved when Christ remains at the centre of Christian life through the Holy Eucharist.
“Walking together must not remain a slogan. It must become a reality in our families, our Small Christian Communities and our parishes through our union with Christ in the Holy Eucharist,” he said.
He warned that whenever individuals or communities lose sight of Christ, divisions, conflicts and unhealthy attitudes inevitably arise.
Using the example of a crop that dries up without rain, the Bishop explained that Christians who neglect the Eucharist gradually lose spiritual strength because the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life.
A significant part of his catechesis focused on strengthening Christian families.
He appealed to couples living together to regularise their unions through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, saying this enables them to live in full communion with the Church and receive the grace needed to build stable Christian homes.
The Bishop also expressed concern over cultural practices that unnecessarily delay Christian marriages, particularly prolonged negotiations over bride price.
He urged families and communities to avoid customs that prevent couples from celebrating Holy Matrimony, saying such practices weaken communion with the Church and place avoidable burdens on families.
Turning to the role of parents, Bishop Wanok challenged families to take greater responsibility for the spiritual formation of their children.
He urged parents to reflect on whether they are teaching their children to pray and helping them grow in the gifts of the Holy Spirit so they may become faithful disciples of Christ.
“The mission of Christ is to unite all people for the common good,” he said, adding that strong Christian families remain the foundation of a united Church.
Speaking on synodality, Bishop Wanok encouraged mutual respect and dialogue among priests, Parish Pastoral Councils and the lay faithful. He called on Christians to embrace shared responsibility in parish leadership while ensuring that Christ remains the guiding principle in every decision.
He reminded the congregation that participation in the Holy Eucharist strengthens believers, deepens their relationship with Christ and equips them for mission.
Concluding his remarks, the Bishop reminded the faithful of their vocation as witnesses of the Gospel.
“We are the signposts for Christ,” he said.
Bishop Wanok is expected to continue his catechesis by addressing the pillars of synodality, preparations for the Diocesan Day celebrations and the September Mission Appeal, an initiative aimed at supporting the formation of seminarians.
The ALOI Deanery meeting marked the final stop in the Bishop’s pastoral visits to deaneries across Lira Diocese. The programme will conclude with a meeting of all priests at Nazareth Family Centre, Barogole.
This is a developing story. More details will follow as the programme continues.
Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok meeting with priests and pastoral council leaders from all parishes under Apac Deanery
By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Apac Catholic Parish, 1 July 2026 – The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, is meeting with priests and pastoral council leaders from all parishes under Apac Deanery as part of his ongoing pastoral visit to the deanery.
In his opening remarks, Bishop Wanok warmly welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude for their presence and commitment to the life and mission of the Church.
Introducing the theme of his pastoral visit, “Walking Together in Christ: Communion, Participation and Mission for an Eucharist-Centred Community,” the Bishop reflected on the meaning of communion as the foundation of Christian life. He explained that communion begins in the family, where the love between a husband and wife unites them in marriage and, through God’s blessing, brings forth children as precious gifts. He emphasized that this communion is further strengthened and extended through the Sacrament of Baptism, by which every Christian becomes a member of the Body of Christ.
The Bishop encouraged parents to take an active role in nurturing their children’s faith, observing that many families today face challenges that weaken relationships between parents and children. He urged families to create opportunities for children to know God more deeply and to grow in the Christian faith.
Reflecting on the Church’s synodal journey, Bishop Wanok reminded the faithful that through Baptism, every Christian is called to participate in the life and mission of the Church. This participation begins in Small Christian Communities, where believers share their experiences of faith, support one another, and discern together how to live the Gospel more faithfully. He noted that genuine participation can only flourish where there is true communion among God’s people.
“The family that remains united,” the Bishop said, “is inspired by the Holy Spirit to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church according to the gifts God has bestowed upon each member.”
Echoing the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, Bishop Wanok encouraged the participants to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit generously in building up the living Body of Christ. He challenged them to reflect on the mission entrusted to every Christian, saying that Christ has called His followers to unite all God’s people and to reach out to those who have not yet come to know Him.
The Eucharist at the Centre of Christian Mission
Bishop Wanok emphasized that the Church’s mission cannot succeed without the Eucharist. He explained that without Christ at the centre, the Church’s mission risks being reduced to material concerns rather than the proclamation of the Gospel.
“The mission entrusted to us draws its strength from the Eucharist,” he said. “Through the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and receive the grace needed to carry out His mission faithfully.”
He also reflected on the unique role of priests, noting that through the sacrament of Holy Orders they act in the person of Christ, consecrating bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, thereby nourishing the faithful spiritually.
Living as a Synodal Church
Explaining the meaning of a synodal Church, Bishop Wanok described it as a Church where God’s people listen attentively to God and to one another, participate according to their different vocations, share responsibility for the Church’s mission, and keep Christ and the Eucharist at the centre of all they do.
Turning to the challenges facing Christian families, the Bishop acknowledged that many marriages experience difficulties that can lead to separation and broken family relationships. He stressed that promoting stable marriages and strong family life is the responsibility of the entire Christian community.
He encouraged the faithful to address these challenges together by walking as one family of God in the spirit of synodality, where mutual listening, shared responsibility, forgiveness, and communion strengthen both families and the wider Church.
The meeting forms part of Bishop Wanok’s pastoral visit to Apac Deanery, aimed at strengthening communion among the faithful, encouraging active participation in the Church’s mission, and renewing commitment to building Eucharist-centred Christian communities throughout the Diocese.
Apac Deanery comprises; Christ the Redeemer Catholic Parish, Apac; Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Alenga; St. Francis of Assisi Sub-Parish, Ayago; Christ the King Parish, Teboke; and St. Joseph’s Parish, Aduku.
This is a developing story. More details from the Bishop’s pastoral visit will follow in subsequent updates.
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