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
Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Image of Our Lady of Kibheo continues its prayerful pilgrimage across the parishes of Lira Diocese, bringing together the faithful in prayer, reflection, Marian devotion and spiritual renewal.
The pilgrimage has been moving through Ngetta Deanery, beginning with Lira Cathedral Parish on 1 October 2026, and continuing to St Peter Catholic Parish, Anai, on 2 October; St Leo the Great Parish, Boroboro, on 3 October; St Peter Claver Parish, Ober, on 4 October; and St Philip Neri Sub-Parish, Erute, on 7 October 2026. On Thursday, 8 October 2026, the Image was warmly received by the faithful of Ngetta Parish, where the faithful will remain in prayer and vigil throughout the night before the Image proceeds to St Jude Sub-Parish, Ojwina, on Friday, 9 October 2026.
At each parish, the visit of the Image offers the faithful an opportunity to deepen their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and, through her intercession, draw closer to Jesus Christ. The spiritual programme focuses particularly on praying the Holy Rosary, reflecting on the Ten Messages of Our Lady during the apparitions in Rwanda, meditating on the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and engaging in questions and answers to deepen understanding of the Catholic faith and Marian devotion.
The shrine of our Lady of Kibeho in Rwanda
Next Stop: Aloi Deanery
On Saturday, 10 October 2026, the Image of Our Lady of Kibheo will proceed to Aloi Deanery, beginning its visitation with Aloi Parish.
This pilgrimage is a journey of faith, prayer, conversion, reconciliation and spiritual renewal, inviting the faithful to encounter Christ more deeply through the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Make time and be part of this special pilgrimage. Let us welcome Our Lady of Kibheo with faith, prayer and open hearts.
Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Every October, Catholics around the world dedicate special attention to the Holy Rosary, a period that invites the faithful to deepen their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary through prayer and reflection. In Lira Diocese, this year’s Rosary month has been marked by the pilgrimage of the image of Our Lady of Kibeho, which is being taken from parish to parish.
The image arrived in Lira Diocese at the beginning of October 2026. On 1 October 2026, it was received with joy by the faithful at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral, Lira, before being taken to St Peter Anai Catholic Parish. From there, the Marian image proceeded to Boroboro St Leo the Great Parish and St Peter Claver Ober Parish, as part of the ongoing visitation to Catholic communities across the diocese.
According to the programme drawn for the Marian visitation, the image of Our Lady of Kibeho will visit all 31 parishes and four sub-parishes in Lira Diocese. The programme is intended to give Catholic communities across the diocese an opportunity to welcome the image, gather in prayer and reflect on the messages associated with Marian devotion.
The visitation is being coordinated by Mary Bashaasha, Coordinator of the Visionaries in Uganda. The programme draws attention to the reported apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Kibeho, Rwanda, which began in 1981 and continued until 1989.
The three visionaries recognized by the Catholic Church in connection with the Kibeho apparitions are Alphonsine Mumureke, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie-Claire Mukangango. Alphonsine reported the first apparition on 28 November 1981, while Nathalie and Marie-Claire subsequently reported apparitions beginning in 1982. The apparitions associated with Alphonsine continued until 28 November 1989.
During the October visitation, particular emphasis is being placed on prayer, especially the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady. The faithful are being encouraged to use the month of the Holy Rosary as an opportunity for deeper prayer, reflection and renewed devotion.
In addition to the Seven Sorrows, the programme includes reflection on the ten points associated with the messages attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary during the reported apparitions at Kibeho. These teachings form part of the spiritual content being shared with Catholic communities as the image visits different parishes.
The pilgrimage of the image provides an opportunity for parishioners to gather in prayer and to reflect on the role of Marian devotion in the spiritual life of the Church. Through the October programme, the faithful in Lira Diocese are being invited to make prayer, particularly the Rosary, a central part of their observance of the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary.
As the image continues its journey through the diocese, all 31 parishes and four sub-parishes are expected to receive it in prayer, reflection and devotion, making the October visitation a diocese-wide Marian prayer programme.
By Fr. isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The pastoral visit of the Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of Lira diocese to St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Abongodyang, Alebtong district, held from 18 to 20 September 2026, focused on strengthening the faith of Christians and encouraging families to live Eucharistic-centred lives.
The three-day pastoral visit included meetings with parish leaders, the opening of two new Eucharistic Centres, and the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for nearly 300 Christians.
Meeting with Parish Leaders
The visit began on 18 September with a meeting between Church leaders and representatives of the Bishop. The meeting was conducted in a synodal manner, providing an opportunity for leaders to share and reflect on key issues affecting the parish community, particularly education and the Christian faith.
During the first two days of the visit, 18 and 19 September, the Bishop was represented by the Vicar General of Lira Diocese, Monsignor Valente Innocent Opio.
The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening the faith of Christians while encouraging families to give priority to the education of their children.
New Eucharistic Centre Opened at St Tobias Corner Apala
On 19 September, a new Eucharistic Centre was opened at St Tobias Corner Apala. During the occasion, about 154 Christians received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The establishment of the Eucharistic Centre is expected to bring pastoral services closer to Christians in the area and provide them with greater opportunities to participate in the sacramental life of the Church through the Eucharist.
Eucharistic Centre Opened at St Philomena Akwete
On 20 September, Bishop Wanok opened another Eucharistic Centre at St Philomena, where 143 Christians were confirmed.
With the opening of the two new centres, Abongodyang Catholic Parish now has a total of three Eucharistic Centres, bringing pastoral and Eucharistic celebrations closer to communities within the parish.
The central theme of the pastoral visit was “Living a Eucharistic-Centred Life,” calling on Christians to deepen their relationship with Christ through the Eucharist and to translate their faith into daily family and community life.
Christians Welcome the Bishop
According to the parish priest, Fr. Moses Owani, the Christians of Abongodyang warmly welcomed Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok and expressed their gratitude for his commitment to bringing pastoral services closer to the faithful.
Fr. Owani commended Bishop Wanok for taking time to visit and interact with the faithful in Abongodyang, describing the visit as an important moment of encouragement and spiritual renewal for the parish community.
He said the Christians also appreciated the Bishop’s care and closeness to them, noting that his presence had strengthened their sense of belonging to the wider Church.
He further mentioned that the Bishop encouraged families to prioritise the education of their children, emphasizing the important role education plays in shaping the future of young people and society.
The parish priest also expressed appreciation to the Honourable Member of Parliament for supporting the parish choir in its efforts to acquire musical instruments for the glory of God.
Preparing the Parish for Future Mission
In his statement, the Bishop’s pastoral visit had helped prepare the Christians for the work ahead, particularly as the parish continues to expand its pastoral outreach through the establishment of Eucharistic Centres.
The opening of the two new Eucharistic Centres in different locations marks an important step in bringing the Church closer to the people and strengthening participation in the sacramental life of the parish.
Abongodyang Catholic Parish was canonically erected on 25 May 2025. According to the parish priest, Fr. Moses Owani, the parish comprises 40 chapels organised into four pastoral zones.
The pastoral visit concluded on 20 September 2026.
In his homily, Bishop Wanok described the Sacrament of Confirmation as a deeper connection between Christians and God, comparing the Christian life to a mobile phone that must be connected and charged in order to fulfil its purpose.
By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Ngetta, September 9, 2026 — St. Peter Claver Ngetta Catholic Parish has marked 96 years of Catholic faith with the Confirmation of 584 Christians, as the parish looks ahead to its centenary celebration in 2030.
The celebrations took place on Wednesday, September 9, during the Solemnity of St. Peter Claver, the patron saint of Ngetta Parish, bringing together hundreds of Christians for the annual Parish Day celebration presided over by the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok.
In his homily, Bishop Wanok described the Sacrament of Confirmation as a deeper connection between Christians and God, comparing the Christian life to a mobile phone that must be connected and charged in order to fulfil its purpose.
“Just like a telephone without charging, without a SIM card and without money in the SIM card is good for nothing, we too need to be charged by God,” the Bishop explained.
He said Baptism and Confirmation, through the coming of the Holy Spirit, enable Christians to become more deeply connected to God and equipped to communicate His love to others.
Bishop Wanok urged the newly confirmed and the wider Christian community to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit so that they may be transformed and become true disciples and missionaries.
He said the coming of the Holy Spirit should open the “locked doors” in people’s hearts, particularly those created by anger, fear and divisions that prevent people from connecting with one another.
The Bishop encouraged Christians to allow the Holy Spirit to drive out fear and renew them for mission, reminding them that Confirmation is not simply a ceremony but a call to Christian witness.
He further urged the newly confirmed to remain firm in their Catholic faith and to use the gifts they have received through the Holy Spirit responsibly.
Ngetta Parish Priest, Fr. Constanz Opiyo MCCJ
Ngetta looks towards 100 years
The Parish Day also marked an important milestone in the history of Ngetta Parish, which was established in 1930 and is recognised as the mother parish of Lira Diocese.
Welcoming Bishop Wanok and the faithful, Ngetta Parish Priest, Fr. Constanz Opiyo MCCJ, said the parish was grateful to God for sustaining its Christian journey for 96 years.
“We remain with just four years to celebrate 100 years of faith,” Fr. Opiyo said, noting that the preparations for the centenary had already begun.
According to the parish history, the first mission in Lango was established at Ngetta in 1930, following the transfer of the mission from the Mill Hill Fathers to the Comboni Missionaries.
The mission was officially handed over to the Comboni Missionaries on April 30, 1930, and was placed under the patronage of St. Peter Claver.
Fr. Opiyo said the centenary preparations began in 2024 with annual fundraising initiatives aimed at strengthening the parish’s infrastructure and supporting its development.
In 2024, the fundraising focused on renovating the parish hall, while the 2025 fundraising supported its completion.
This year, each chapel has been encouraged to undertake fundraising to develop its own facilities, while the parish continues with other initiatives aimed at improving its infrastructure.
Fr. Opiyo said the parish still has several buildings and facilities requiring renovation and used the Parish Day to present mattresses and other gifts donated by Christians.
He explained that the mattresses were intended to replace old ones used by catechumens and participants in parish programmes.
“We still have a lot to do. We have a plan of how we want the parish to look like and every year we are working towards that,” he said.
A legacy of missionary faith
As Ngetta prepares for its centenary, Fr. Opiyo also called on Christians to remember and emulate the missionaries who laid the foundation of the Catholic faith in the area.
He highlighted the missionary example of St. Peter Claver, who devoted his life to serving enslaved people in Cartagena, Colombia, ministering to their physical and spiritual needs and defending their human dignity.
Fr. Opiyo said the saint’s missionary courage provides an important example for Christians as Ngetta prepares to celebrate a century of faith.
He urged the faithful to appreciate the contribution of the many missionaries who served in the area, including those who remained buried within the communities where they ministered.
“We pray that we may emulate their example of faith and the courage to go out on mission,” he said.
584 confirmed as Ngetta Parish makes 96 years of Faith
584 confirmed for the future of the Church
The Laity Coordinator of Ngetta Parish, Geofrey Norah Okello, thanked God for guiding the parish since its establishment in 1930 and described the Confirmation of 584 children as another significant milestone in its journey of faith.
Okello encouraged the newly confirmed to take seriously the responsibility that comes with receiving the Holy Spirit and to remain committed to their Catholic faith.
He said the young Christians should allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives and avoid actions that could destroy their future, so that they can grow into responsible members and future leaders of the Church.
He also thanked the Parish Council, Parish Priest, deacons, religious and Christians for contributing to the success of the Parish Day.
Okello said the Parish Council remains committed to working under the guidance of the Parish Priest to promote both the spiritual growth and development of Ngetta Parish.
He also presented a request from Christians of St. John Bosco Acwau Chapel, asking for the chapel to be elevated to a Eucharistic Centre.
The Christians said the elevation would bring Mass and other Eucharistic celebrations closer to them, given their location within Lira City and the distance to Iwor and Abongo Den.
As Ngetta Parish continues its journey towards 100 years of Catholic faith, the celebration brought together its rich missionary heritage, present pastoral growth and renewed focus on preparing the younger generation to carry the faith into the future.
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