Tag Archives: Fr. Patrick Odur

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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