Pastoral Archives - LIRA CATHOLIC DIOCESE

Bishop Wanok Calls on Christians to Pursue Holiness Through Their Daily Lives

He made the call while delivering his homily during the celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints on Sunday, November 1, 2026, saying the feast reminds Christians that they are all called to live holy lives and journey together towards heaven.

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called on Christians to embrace holiness as a daily responsibility, challenging them to demonstrate their faith through honesty, forgiveness, compassion, justice and service to others.

Bishop Wanok said holiness is not reserved for priests, religious or people officially recognised as saints by the Church, but is the calling of every baptised Christian.

“The message of today’s feast is very simple. Holiness is not reserved for a few privileged people. It is not reserved for the saints, for the priests only,” the Bishop said.

He explained that through baptism, Christians are called to reflect the nature of God, adding that holiness should be evident in how people live and relate with one another.

Bishop Wanok also reminded the faithful that All Saints’ Day honours not only saints officially recognised by the Church but also countless ordinary men and women whose lives were marked by faithfulness to God, even though their names may never be known.

He said some of these holy people lived and died in ordinary communities, including villages, but their lives were characterised by a consistent desire to remain close to God.

Holiness Requires Perseverance in Difficult Times

Reflecting on the first reading from the Book of Revelation, Chapter 7, Bishop Wanok described heaven as the ultimate destination of Christians, holiness as their calling and the Beatitudes as their way of life.

He pointed to the vision of a great multitude from every nation, race and language standing before God’s throne, saying the image represents a united people free from tribal discrimination, hatred and exclusion.

He said the saints were not people who lived without suffering or temptation, but individuals who trusted in God’s grace, repented of their sins and persevered in love despite the difficulties they encountered.

The Bishop challenged Christians to remain faithful even when faced with insecurity, loss of property, hunger and other hardships, rather than resorting to practices that contradict their faith.

He expressed concern about people turning to individuals who claim to identify livestock thieves and recover stolen property through supernatural powers, saying even some baptised Christians and religious leaders were seeking their services.

Referring to the situation involving stolen livestock, including pigs, he questioned why Christians would turn to such practices instead of trusting God.

Bishop Wanok warned that seeking supernatural solutions through witchcraft, or resorting to violence and revenge, undermines the Christian calling to holiness.

He urged the faithful to persevere in prayer and love, reminding them that Christians are called to reject killing and seek peaceful ways of addressing conflicts.

Calls for Integrity in Public Service and Responsibility in Families

The Bishop further challenged public leaders, politicians and government officials to demonstrate holiness through justice, honesty and responsible service to citizens.

He condemned corruption and the practice of demanding unofficial payments for services that people are already employed and paid to provide.

He cited the demand for money from people seeking services, including interview fees charged by some schools, as examples of practices that undermine integrity and exploit members of the public.

“Even if it is little, but I accept it to be at the service of the people,” he said, urging those entrusted with public responsibility to serve honestly rather than seek unlawful personal gain.

Bishop Wanok also reminded parents that holiness begins with love, fidelity and responsibility within the family.

He challenged parents to consider not only the needs of their own children but also the welfare of their neighbours and the wider Christian community.

He encouraged families to cultivate a spirit of sharing, including setting aside food and other provisions for priests, religious and people who may not have families to support them.

The Bishop said young people, too, are called to holiness through honesty, discipline, purity of heart and rejection of destructive habits.

He urged priests and religious to embrace humility and faithful service, saying they cannot become holy by distancing themselves from the people entrusted to their care.

**Radio Wa 89.8Fm building, a Community Station owned by Lira Catholic Diocese**

Calls for Peace, Forgiveness and Strong Christian Communities

Drawing from the Gospel reading on the Beatitudes, Bishop Wanok described them as a portrait of Christ and a guide to Christian living.

He encouraged Christians to practise mercy instead of revenge, sincerity instead of dishonesty, and peace instead of violence.

He particularly emphasised the responsibility of every Christian to become a peacemaker in families, communities and society.

The Bishop commended Radio Wa for its contribution to peacebuilding, recalling its role during the insurgency, and called on Christians to work together to address political and domestic violence.

He also urged the faithful to make their homes domestic churches where prayer and the Word of God are part of everyday life.

He encouraged families to have Bibles and prayer books and to pray together with their children.

Bishop Wanok further called on Christian communities to become places of mercy, solidarity and mutual protection, where members work together to address crime, violence and the needs of their neighbours.

He said every baptised Christian has a gift to contribute to the life of the Church and should actively participate in building peaceful families and communities.

Bishop Encourages Faithful to Live the Message of Our Lady of Kibeho

The Bishop also encouraged Christians to embrace the message of Our Lady of Kibeho as the Marian image continues moving from parish to parish across Lira Diocese.

The visits promote devotion to the Holy Rosary and share the message of Our Lady of Kibeho, which calls the faithful to repentance, prayer and conversion.

Bishop Wanok urged Christians not to be ashamed of expressing their devotion to Mary, saying they should remain proud of their faith even when mocked or misunderstood.

However, he cautioned against responding to those who disagree with Marian devotion through hatred, instead encouraging Christians to demonstrate their faith with humility and help others understand.

He called on the faithful to live the message through genuine conversion rather than treating the movement of the image as an event without a lasting spiritual commitment.

Eucharist and Reconciliation as Paths to Holiness

Bishop Wanok also urged Christians to nourish their spiritual lives through the Eucharist, repentance, prayer and reconciliation.

He reminded the faithful that all people are sinners and make mistakes, but God is ready to forgive those who approach Him with humility.

He particularly challenged couples to seek forgiveness and reconciliation when disagreements arise, saying building a Christian family requires God’s grace because marriage brings together two different people who must learn to live as one.

He called on Christians not to allow pride, resentment and unresolved conflicts to keep them away from God’s mercy.

The Bishop concluded by asking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, to help the faithful persevere on the journey towards holiness.

He said the journey may be difficult, but it is possible through Christ, prayer, repentance and humility.

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Kotido Bishop Calls For Irrigation Systems To Combat Recurring Hunger In Karamoja

By Dickens Aruca, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese

The Bishop of Kotido Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, has called on the government to invest in irrigation systems in the Karamoja sub-region to help communities overcome recurring food shortages caused by prolonged dry spells.

Bishop Eibu made the appeal during a courtesy visit to St. Peter Anai Catholic Parish in Lira Diocese on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as he returned from pastoral engagements in Kampala. He also used the visit to express gratitude to Lira Diocese for its support to hunger-affected communities in Karamoja through donations of food items.

The assistance followed appeals by Kotido and Moroto dioceses for support as communities in the region faced worsening food shortages.

Karamoja has experienced prolonged dry conditions since May this year, with little or no rainfall reported in some affected areas. The situation has raised concerns over food security and threatened the livelihoods of communities that largely depend on rain-fed agriculture.

Irrigation as a long-term solution

Bishop Eibu acknowledged the importance of food donations in providing immediate relief to families struggling with hunger but noted that such interventions cannot sustain communities over an extended period.

He said establishing irrigation systems would enable farmers to continue growing crops even during periods of limited rainfall, reducing their dependence on seasonal weather patterns.

The bishop urged the government to prioritise investment in irrigation infrastructure as a long-term intervention to strengthen food security, improve household livelihoods and protect communities against the effects of drought.

He emphasised that while emergency food assistance remains important during periods of crisis, sustainable agricultural interventions are necessary to address the underlying causes of recurring hunger in Karamoja.

Appreciation to lira diocese

Bishop Eibu also expressed gratitude to Lira Diocese for responding to the appeal for food assistance, saying the donations would help support communities affected by hunger in the neighbouring region.

He further thanked the Christians of St. Peter Anai Catholic Parish for turning up in large numbers to welcome him, describing their reception as a demonstration of joy and Christian fellowship.

The visit provided an opportunity for the bishop to acknowledge the solidarity shown by the Church in Lira towards communities facing difficult conditions in Karamoja.

Bishop Eibu’s appeal underscores the need to complement emergency food donations with long-term interventions that can strengthen agricultural production and help communities withstand prolonged dry spells.

Investment in irrigation, he noted, could provide farmers with a more reliable means of producing food and reduce the region’s vulnerability to recurring drought and hunger.

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St.Jude Thaddeus Sub-Parish Celebrates Patronal Feast, Looks Ahead To Parish Status

The celebration, held on the feast of St. Jude Thaddeus, was presided over by the Bishop Emeritus of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli. During the Eucharistic celebration, 101 Christians received the Sacrament of Confirmation, while catechists also renewed their vows.

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

St. Jude Thaddeus Sub-Parish, Ojwina, has celebrated its patronal feast with a call on Christians to embrace their responsibility in spreading the Gospel, as the church community also reflected on its growth, achievements and preparations for elevation to parish status in 2027.

In his homily, Bishop Franzelli challenged Christians to look beyond celebrating the lives of saints and instead strive to imitate their faith, commitment and dedication to the mission of Jesus Christ.

Every Christian is called to be a missionary

Reflecting on the life of St. Jude Thaddeus, one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ, Bishop Franzelli encouraged the faithful to deepen their understanding of the saint’s life and apostolic mission.

He reminded Christians that St. Jude was among those entrusted with the responsibility of continuing the work of Christ by proclaiming the Gospel and remaining faithful to His teachings, even to the point of martyrdom.

Drawing from the day’s Scripture readings, the Bishop challenged the congregation to examine their own commitment to Christ and consider whether they would have demonstrated the same faithfulness had they been among the apostles personally chosen by Jesus.

He emphasised that every Christian is called to participate in the missionary work of the Church, noting that evangelisation is not the responsibility of priests, bishops and catechists alone.

While Church leaders have particular responsibilities in teaching and guiding the faithful, every baptised Christian is expected to share the Gospel through their daily lives, families, communities, workplaces and interactions with others.

The Bishop explained that being a missionary does not necessarily mean travelling to distant places. Rather, it begins with carrying Christ in one’s heart and allowing His teachings to influence one’s actions, relationships and treatment of others.

He therefore encouraged Christians to demonstrate the love of Christ, serve one another and proclaim the Gospel through both their words and actions.

Connecting the message to the Church’s celebration of World Mission Sunday, Bishop Franzelli reminded the faithful that the mission of Christ continues through every generation. He urged them to pray for those who have not yet embraced the Christian faith and to remain committed to bringing the message of Jesus Christ to all people.

The example of the Martyrs of Paimol

The Bishop also drew attention to the lives of St. Jildo Irwa and St. Daudi Okello, the two Ugandan catechists martyred at Paimol, whose feast is celebrated on October 20.

He described their lives as further examples of Christian faith, missionary service and sacrifice, noting that they remained committed to spreading the Gospel despite the dangers they faced.

Their witness, he said, demonstrates that the responsibility to proclaim Christ is not limited to the apostles who lived during the time of Jesus but remains a continuing mission for all Christians.

Bishop Franzelli challenged the faithful not merely to admire the saints but to imitate their courage, commitment and willingness to serve God, even when doing so involves personal sacrifice.

Praying through the Intercession of St. JudeThaddeus

As the community celebrated its patron saint, Bishop Franzelli also encouraged Christians to seek the intercession of St. Jude Thaddeus through prayer.

Recognised in Catholic devotion as the patron saint of hopeless and desperate situations, St. Jude inspires the faithful to remain hopeful and steadfast in their faith, even when faced with difficult circumstances.

Through his intercession, Christians ask God for guidance, protection, strength and the grace to overcome challenges and remain faithful to Him.

The Bishop’s message reminded the congregation that devotion to the saints should ultimately draw Christians closer to Jesus Christ, whom St. Jude served and proclaimed.

***St. Jude Thaddeus Sub Parish, Ojwina***

A community reflecting on its journey and growth

Earlier, the Head of Laity at St. Jude Thaddeus Sub-Parish, Patrick Winnie Ocero, presented the community’s history, achievements and challenges.

He revealed that the sub-parish, which currently comprises five chapels, traces its beginnings to 1984, when Mzee Michael Owani and his wife, Mrs. Mary Goretti Owani, initiated a devotion to St. Jude Thaddeus during the episcopacy of Bishop Caesar Asili.

The first prayers were held on Palm Sunday in 1992 under a mango tree in the compound of Mr. Michael Assumpta Oqwal Aconga at Jinja Camp. The prayers were led by Catechist Emmanuel Mary Ogwel.

The community later acquired land donated by the late Mzee Daniel Obol, on which the church stands today.

In 1993, the chapel celebrated its first three church weddings, while in 1998, Fr. Carlos Ojuka blessed the foundation of the permanent church building.

Among the achievements highlighted by Ocero was the resolution of a land dispute that had affected the community, alongside efforts to expand the land available for church activities.

He also reported that St. John Paul II Chapel, Obutuwelo, had purchased land for its activities, with the land title currently being processed, while St. Lawrence the Deacon Chapel, Kakooge, had also acquired additional land.

However, he identified several challenges requiring attention, including weak Christian communities, the absence of a chaplain at St. Joseph the Worker Chapel at UTCL, and the desire by Christians around the college to establish a chapel outside the institution.

Other challenges include unreliable electricity supply and the incomplete priests’ residence.

***Rev Fr. Odur Patrick the St. Jude Thaddeus Sub Parish Administrator***

Preparations for Elevation to Parish Status

In his remarks, the Sub-Parish Administrator, Rev. Fr. Counsel Patrick Odur, thanked the Christians, visitors from other parishes, chapels, catechists and the organising committee for their contribution towards making the celebration successful.

He described the occasion as an opportunity for the Christian community to come together as one family in love, joy and mutual concern, reflecting the spirit of synodality.

He observed that the gathering for prayer demonstrated the presence of God among the faithful and encouraged them to continue seeking His grace through the intercession of the saints, particularly their patron, St. Jude Thaddeus.

Fr. Odur also announced that the sub-parish is expected to be elevated to parish status in February 2027. He further revealed that the community anticipates the ordination of Rev. Deacon Etot Joseph in August 2027, an important milestone in its growth.

He called on the Christians to begin preparations early to ensure the successful organisation of both events.

The celebration brought together Christians from the five chapels, visitors from other parishes and the wider community, providing an opportunity to celebrate the faith, recognise the sub-parish’s journey and renew commitment to its spiritual growth and mission.

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Minakulu Christians Launch Chapel Visits to Support Priests and Strengthen Evangelisation

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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Lira Diocese Rededicates St Paul Catholic Parish Church Aboke

The celebration brought together priests, religious, parishioners, benefactors, and civil authorities from Kole District, who joined the Catholic community of Aboke in an atmosphere of gratitude, unity, and great joy.

Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, on Sunday, 11 October 2026, presided over the solemn rededication of St. Paul Catholic Parish Church, Aboke, in Kole District, after intensive renovation works were successfully completed, marking a significant milestone in the spiritual life and pastoral mission of the parish.

The rededication was a moment of profound significance for the parishioners, celebrating not only the renewal of a sacred place of worship but also the enduring faith, commitment, and collective effort that made the occasion possible.

St. Paul Catholic Parish, Aboke, is under the pastoral care of priests belonging to the Congregation of the Apostles of Jesus (AJ), who continue to guide the faithful in their spiritual growth, evangelization, and service to the wider community.

In his homily, Bishop Wanok reflected on the spiritual meaning of the celebration, drawing from the day’s readings, which highlighted God’s invitation to His people, the promise of salvation, and the importance of responding to the Lord with faith and commitment.

Reflecting on the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, the Bishop noted that the Lord prepares a banquet for all peoples, offering nourishment, hope, and consolation. He emphasized that the church must remain a place where people encounter God’s Word, receive the Eucharist, seek forgiveness, and find strength amid life’s challenges.

He reminded the faithful that the beauty of the church building must be reflected in the lives of the people who worship there, urging them to continue building a united, compassionate, and vibrant Christian community.

“We have completed the building; we must continue building the community,” he emphasized, calling on parishioners to make St. Paul Catholic Parish a welcoming home for the poor, children, young people, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and all those seeking spiritual renewal.

The Bishop further challenged the faithful to respond actively to God’s invitation by participating faithfully in Sunday Mass, receiving the sacraments, and living out the Gospel in their families and communities. He urged them to strengthen family life, promote reconciliation, reject violence, and embrace honesty, forgiveness, and charity.

Drawing from the Gospel account of the wedding banquet, Bishop Wanok encouraged the parish to deepen its missionary commitment by reaching out to those who have become distant from the Church, supporting struggling families, and ensuring that no one feels forgotten or excluded from the life of the Christian community.

He also acknowledged the importance of solidarity and generosity, recognizing the contributions made by parishioners, benefactors, and members of the wider Church towards the parish’s spiritual and infrastructural development. He encouraged the faithful to extend the same spirit of generosity to other communities in need.

The celebration was attended with great joy by civil authorities from Kole District, whose presence underscored the importance of cooperation between the Church and civil leadership in promoting the spiritual and social well-being of the people.

For the parishioners of St. Paul Catholic Parish, Aboke, the occasion was a source of immense happiness and thanksgiving, representing a renewed sense of belonging, pride, and hope for the future of their parish. It was also an opportunity to appreciate all those who had contributed, in various ways, to the life and development of the Church.

As the parish begins this renewed chapter, the faithful are encouraged to care responsibly for the church, sustain its spiritual life through prayer and worship, and translate the fruits of their faith into meaningful service in their homes, schools, workplaces, and wider community.

The rededication of St. Paul Catholic Parish Church, Aboke will continue to stand as a celebration of what has been accomplished and a renewed call to mission, unity, and Christian witness.

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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)

Category Archives: Pastoral

Bishop Wanok Calls on Christians to Pursue Holiness Through Their Daily Lives

Kotido Bishop Calls For Irrigation Systems To Combat Recurring Hunger In Karamoja

St.Jude Thaddeus Sub-Parish Celebrates Patronal Feast, Looks Ahead To Parish Status

Minakulu Christians Launch Chapel Visits to Support Priests and Strengthen Evangelisation

Lira Diocese Rededicates St Paul Catholic Parish Church Aboke