Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok Archives - Page 2 of 2

Christians Urged to Remain Hopeful in Christ Amid Loss

*Rt. Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese*

In his reflection, the Vicar General reminded the faithful that although the death of a loved one brings deep sorrow and the pain of separation, Christians draw hope from the promise of resurrection. Quoting from the Book of Daniel and the First Letter to the Thessalonians, he emphasized that death does not have the final word for those who remain faithful to God, assuring the congregation that believers are destined for eternal life.

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

Christians of Lira Diocese have been encouraged to remain hopeful in Christ and hold firmly to the promise of eternal life even in moments of grief and loss.

The call was made by the Vicar General during a requiem mass held on Monday at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral for the repose of the soul of Julius Amia Oboko, the brother of Rt Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of Lira Diocese.

He encouraged the faithful to take comfort in the Christian belief that the bond of love shared with the departed continues in Christ and that one day the faithful will be reunited with their loved ones in the fullness of life.

*Priests and Religious during the requiem Mass*

Reflecting on the Gospel according to John, he also highlighted the significance of the Eucharist as a source of eternal life, noting that those who partake of the body and blood of Christ share in the victory of Christ over death. He urged Christians to live lives that reflect faith in eternal life, allow the Eucharist to transform their hearts, and help others grow closer to God.

Speaking on behalf of the Lay Apostolate, Jovino Akaki Ayumu, the Chairperson of the Laity in Lira Diocese, thanked Bishop Wanok for his continued pastoral leadership even during difficult moments. He also encouraged Christians to stand in solidarity with those who have lost their loved ones, whether clergy or lay faithful.

Meanwhile, Bishop Wanok expressed heartfelt appreciation to all those who supported him during the painful time following the loss of his brother. He thanked the organizing committee for arranging the special prayer service for the repose of his brother’s soul, noting that the strong turnout reflected the love and unity among Christians in the diocese.

*The faithful of Lira Diocese during the mass*

The mass was attended by priests, Reverend Sisters, and Christians from different parishes across the diocese who gathered to console the Bishop and pray for the soul of the late Julius Amia Oboko.

The prayer gathering not only served as a moment of mourning but also reminded Christians of their responsibility to support one another in faith and in times of loss, strengthening unity and compassion within the Church community.

End

Hope, Dignity, and a Shared Meal: Sant’Egidio Brings Christmas Joy to Lira’s Vulnerable

*Bishop Wanok helps an elderly guest wash her hands.*

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

As many families marked Christmas in the warmth of their homes, more than 500 vulnerable people, who might otherwise have spent the day alone, found family, dignity, and hope at a special celebration organized by the Sant’Egidio Community in Lira.

The celebration, held at the Apostolic Social Centre, brought together people who are blind, persons with disabilities, former leprosy patients, the elderly, people living with HIV/AIDS, and others facing various hardships. The participants marked the birth of Jesus Christ through a shared meal, gift-giving, and moments of fellowship.

Opening the ceremony, the Lira Sant’Egidio Community Coordinator, Janet Akite, emphasized the organization’s mission of solidarity with the poor.

“As Sant’Egidio, we aim to bring together the needy on such a special day to celebrate Christmas in the spirit of Jesus’ teachings,” Akite said.

She noted that many of the beneficiaries often lack companionship and basic necessities, making such gatherings crucial in restoring dignity, fostering a sense of family, and offering tangible support through meals and presents.

*Bishop Wanok feeds one of the guests at the Christmas lunch*

The event was also graced by the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, who praised the Sant’Egidio leadership for their unwavering commitment to uplifting the marginalized.

“I commend the tireless efforts of Sant’Egidio in comforting and standing with the needy in our communities,” Bishop Wanok said.

During the celebration, Bishop Wanok announced the renewal of Janet Akite’s term as coordinator for another five years, ensuring continuity in the community’s mission and leadership.

Founded in 1968 at the Church of Sant’Egidio in Rome’s Trastevere district by a group of high school students led by Andrea Riccardi, the Community of Sant’Egidio has grown into a global movement. Today, it operates in over 70 countries, promoting peace, solidarity with the poor, and interfaith dialogue.

This Christmas season, the organization is hosting festive lunches for more than 250,000 people worldwide, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and care for the most vulnerable.

The Lira celebration stands as a powerful reminder of the impact of community-driven charity, offering not only material support but also hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging to those often forgotten.

Bishop Wanok Says Christmas Is the True Preparation for Peaceful Elections

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has said that Christmas offers the nation its most important preparation for peaceful, free, and fair elections, calling on Ugandans to allow Christ to first transform their hearts before seeking political change.

The Bishop made the remarks in his Christmas message to the Curia during the End of Year Mass held at the Diocesan Offices, Daniel Comboni, Bar Ogole.

He said that as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the country is also entering a sensitive civic period ahead of the coming elections, a moment that calls for deep listening to the Word of God and honest examination of faith and conscience.

Bishop Wanok said Christmas reminds believers that Uganda belongs to God and that every citizen carries a responsibility to ensure elections are conducted in freedom, fairness, friendship, and love.

Reflecting on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the Bishop said the birth of Christ reveals a God who chooses to journey quietly with His people not through force, intimidation, or raw power, but through humility, faithfulness, and closeness to humanity.

*Bishop Wanok and the Social Communications Secretary Lira Diocese, Rev Fr Isaac Ojok pose for a photo with journalists*

He noted that the humility of God, often mistaken by the world as weakness or foolishness, is in fact His greatest strength, one that changes hearts before changing structures.

Drawing from Matthew’s Gospel, Bishop Wanok highlighted the example of Joseph, whom Scripture describes simply as “a just man.” Faced with fear, confusion, and uncertainty, Joseph chose what was right before God, refusing to harm, shame, or act out of anger toward Mary.

The Bishop said Joseph’s response teaches society that righteousness is often expressed through quiet discernment, prayer, and a willingness to listen to God before reacting in anger or fear. By protecting life in a moment of uncertainty, Joseph offers a model for personal and national leadership.

Turning to Luke’s Gospel, Bishop Wanok reflected on Mary’s Magnificat, describing it as a proclamation of courageous faith. He said Mary trusted God to lift up the lowly and to judge history with justice and mercy, without inciting hatred or violence.

The Bishop said the leadership of Joseph and Mary, beginning within the family, offers a powerful lesson for leadership in the nation, leadership grounded in humility, faith, and trust in God rather than aggression or intimidation.

Speaking on the meaning of Christmas for society, Bishop Wanok emphasized respect for the poor and the youth, noting that young people are searching for direction as they learn from the past and navigate the present. He warned that no person should ever be exploited because of poverty, frustration, or vulnerability.

He said the buying of votes through money or material inducements is incompatible with the dignity of the human person, stressing that no amount of money can purchase a person’s right or conscience.

The Bishop cautioned against leaders who spread hatred, division, and confusion, saying such behavior is a clear sign of destructive leadership. He condemned acts such as tearing down opponents’ posters or inciting quarrels, warning that leaders driven by hatred ultimately destroy both people and the nation.

Bishop Wanok reaffirmed that the Church, during Christmas and beyond, must remain a space of peace. He said all Church institutions, including churches, schools, and hospitals must remain non-partisan, welcoming all people regardless of political affiliation.

“For the Church,” he said, “every human being must find a place of prayer, guidance, reconciliation, and healing.”

He added that Christianity and Islam alike are rooted in peace, reminding the faithful that Christ is the Prince of Peace and that religion, understood as humanity’s attachment to God, must always lead to peace rather than division.

Turning to the local Church, Bishop Wanok said the people of Lira Diocese and the wider Lango Sub-region are called to a renewed commitment to peace, unity, and hospitality, welcoming all people regardless of origin, belief, or background.

*Bishop Wanok joins some of the Curia members for a photo moment earlier in the day*

Mindful of the region’s history and the wounds caused by past conflicts, the Bishop said the Diocese is recommitting itself to healing and solidarity through Caritas, sharing resources and building peace within families, Small Christian Communities, and parishes.

He urged the faithful to focus on preparing their hearts and homes to receive Christ, noting that true discernment including choosing leaders must be done in prayer, silence, and sobriety.

Bishop Wanok warned against noise, drunkenness, and reckless behavior, saying Christ did not come amid chaos but in humility and quietness. He encouraged believers to imitate Joseph and Mary by waiting in prayer, minimizing quarrels, rejecting violence, and protecting one another.

He concluded by praying that the birth of Christ may renew the nation with truth, humility, and hope, and extended his Christmas and New Year wishes to the people of Lira Diocese, the Lango Sub-region, and Uganda at large.

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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)

Tag Archives: Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok

Christians Urged to Remain Hopeful in Christ Amid Loss

Bishop Wanok Says Christmas Is the True Preparation for Peaceful Elections