lira diocese Archives - Page 4 of 14

Bishop Wanok Urges Families to End Cultural Barriers to Holy Matrimony

*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.

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The Church’s Mission Cannot Succeed Without the Eucharist,” Says Bishop Wanok

*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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Bishop Wanok Calls for Greater Support for Vocations and Diocesan Mission.

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

Christians from across Dokolo Deanery, accompanied by their priests, on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, warmly welcomed the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, during his pastoral deanery visitation to the area.

The pastoral visit brought together priests and Christian leaders from different levels of the Church to reflect on the pastoral life of the Diocese and receive guidance from their shepherd on the way forward.

Accompanied by Vicar General Monsignor Vallente Innocent Opio, Bishop Wanok shared important updates concerning the life and mission of the Diocese. He called upon Christians to generously support the formation of future priests through the September Mission Appeal for Seminarian Formation, noting that Lira Diocese currently has 118 major seminarians preparing for the priesthood. He explained that the increasing cost of formation, including tuition, accommodation, books, medical care, formation programmes, and pastoral training requires the support of the entire Christian community.

The Bishop also appealed for continued support towards St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Aboke, encouraging every parish, institution, schools, and Small Christian Communities to contribute generously towards the education and formation of future priests in Lira diocese.

Speaking about vocations, Bishop Wanok announced with gratitude that this year 2026, Lira Diocese has been blessed with 11 candidates to be ordained to the priesthood, eight candidates to the diaconate on 6th August 2026. He urged Christians to pray for vocations, encourage young people to respond to God’s call, support families that offer their sons to the Church, and accompany seminarians through both spiritual and material support.

Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, he reminded the faithful that, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37).

As the Diocese prepares to celebrate Diocesan Day on 11 July 2026, the Bishop encouraged every parish to organize prayers for the Diocese, teach the faithful about the history and mission of Lira Diocese, mobilize participation through Small Christian Communities, and promote diocesan solidarity through generous offerings and contributions.

In his catechesis, Bishop Wanok emphasized that Small Christian Communities should become vibrant communities of faith rather than merely existing as groups. He urged Christian leaders to strengthen these communities so that every member of the faithful actively participates in the life and mission of the Church.

The Bishop further encouraged families to plan for their development by investing in productive activities such as food crop cultivation and poultry keeping. He called upon parents to raise their children with dignity, responsibility, and strong Christian values, while preparing them for responsible Christian marriage and ensuring sound moral formation within their homes.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Wanok called for a new way of working within the Church based on dialogue, unity, and peaceful collaboration. He likened the Church to an anthill, where every member contributes harmoniously without causing confusion, but works together for the common good.

He also highlighted six pastoral pillars that will continue guiding the Diocese: Health, Catechesis, Education, Caritas, Accountability, and Media. He urged Church leaders to exercise transparency and integrity in their work and to promote the responsible use of media as a tool for evangelization and unity.

The Bishop thanked all those who attended the meeting and encouraged them to embrace a spirit of renewal as the Diocese continues strengthening its pastoral mission.

In their response, the priests and Christian leaders received the Bishop’s message with great joy and excitement, expressing their commitment to support seminarian formation, contribute to the mission appeal for St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Aboke, promote vocations, and implement the pastoral guidance shared during the meeting. They thanked Bishop Wanok for his fatherly leadership and pastoral concern for the growth of the Church in Lira Diocese.

Following the conclusion of his pastoral visit to Dokolo Deanery, the Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok and his pastoral team will proceed to Apac Deanery on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, to continue the diocesan deanery pastoral visitation.

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Bishop Wanok Begins Fourth Pastoral Visit to Dokolo Deanery with a Call to Walk Together in Christ.

*Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok on his Fourth Pastoral Visit to Dokolo Deanery*

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

Dokolo, 30 June 2026 – The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, today commenced his fourth pastoral visit to Dokolo Deanery with a meeting of priests and Christian leaders drawn from the parishes that make up the deanery.

The meeting, currently taking place at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish, Dokolo, has brought together representatives from St. John Fisher Catholic Parish Amolatar, St. Luke the Evangelist Parish Aputi, St. Francis of Assisi Parish Abuli, Our Lady of Fatima Parish Agwata, and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish Dokolo.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Wanok warmly welcomed the participants, expressing gratitude for their dedication to the mission of the Church and for gathering to encounter him during his pastoral visit.

Introducing the purpose of his visit, the Bishop noted that the Church has embarked on a renewed journey of walking together through catechesis, inspired by the spirit of synodality. He reaffirmed the theme of his pastoral visits:

“Walking Together in Christ: Communion, Participation and Mission for a Eucharist-Centred Community.”

The Bishop emphasized that every Christian is called to walk together in Christ, fostering unity and strengthening the bonds of communion within the Church. He encouraged the faithful to embrace the synodal journey through mutual listening, shared responsibility, and active participation in the life and mission of the Church.

Focusing on catechesis about the Holy Eucharist, Bishop Wanok reminded the participants that the Eucharist is the source of the Church’s strength because it is Christ Himself who nourishes His people. He stressed the importance of helping all Christians—from children to parents—to understand, value, and faithfully receive the Body of Christ.

“The Holy Spirit empowers us to participate in the mission of the Church without fear,” the Bishop said, urging the faithful to respond generously to God’s call.

Reflecting on the priesthood, Bishop Wanok described the priest and the Eucharist as inseparable, explaining that the primary mission of every priest is to lead God’s people to encounter Christ in the Eucharist. He noted that full communion within the Church is rooted in active participation in the Eucharistic celebration.

The Bishop further observed that communion begins within the family, especially through the vocation of Christian marriage. He encouraged families to cultivate the habit of praying together, describing the family as the first school of faith and communion.

He also underscored the importance of mutual listening as a cornerstone of effective synodality, calling on all members of the Church to listen attentively to one another and to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The pastoral session continues with the Bishop offering further catechesis on the nature of a synodal Church. This will be followed by group discussions, during which participants will share their reflections and experiences as part of the synodal process.

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Over 9,000 Children Expected for Missionary Childhood Sunday Celebrations in Lira Diocese

*Bishop Wanok is gifted a chicken from a little boy*

The development was confirmed by Rev. Fr. Steven Odwongo, the Director of the Pontifical Missionary Society for Lira Diocese, during an exclusive interview with our reporter on the sidelines of a preparatory meeting held at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira City.

By Dicken Aruca, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese

At least 9,000 children under the Pontifical Missionary Society (PMS) from various parishes across Lira Diocese are expected to participate in this year’s Missionary Childhood Sunday celebrations scheduled for July 19, 2026.

According to Fr. Odwongo, this year’s celebrations will be hosted by St. Peter’s Anai Catholic Parish under the theme drawn from Mark 16:12-16: “As a Child of Missionary Childhood, I Can Evangelize.”

He explained that Missionary Childhood Sunday is traditionally celebrated nationally on the second Sunday of July. However, in Lira Diocese, the event has been rescheduled to July 19 because the usual date coincides with a diocesan function.

Fr. Odwongo noted that each parish is expected to send at least 250 children, bringing the anticipated attendance to approximately 9,250 participants from 37 parishes and sub-parishes across the diocese.

He added that the annual celebration is intended to nurture evangelization among children and strengthen their participation in church activities, including leading liturgical celebrations, scripture readings, prayers, and other faith-based activities.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Pontifical Missionary Society for Ngetta Deanery, Tonny Oding, said preparations for the event are progressing well to ensure a successful celebration.

Oding revealed that several planning meetings have already been conducted at both parish and deanery levels to coordinate participation and logistics. He called upon parents and guardians to support and encourage their children to take part in the event as a way of strengthening their faith and missionary spirit.

Church leaders have expressed optimism that this year’s Missionary Childhood Sunday celebrations will inspire children to become active ambassadors of the Gospel and strengthen their commitment to Christian values. The event is also expected to foster unity among young Catholics from across Lira Diocese while promoting their role in evangelization and service to the Church.

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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: lira diocese

Bishop Wanok Urges Families to End Cultural Barriers to Holy Matrimony

The Church’s Mission Cannot Succeed Without the Eucharist,” Says Bishop Wanok

Bishop Wanok Calls for Greater Support for Vocations and Diocesan Mission.

Bishop Wanok Begins Fourth Pastoral Visit to Dokolo Deanery with a Call to Walk Together in Christ.

Over 9,000 Children Expected for Missionary Childhood Sunday Celebrations in Lira Diocese