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By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
LIRA – Priests, religious, family members and the faithful gathered at St. Daniel Comboni Diocesan Headquarters, Bar Ogole, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, to commemorate the first anniversary of the late Rev. Fr. Ponsiano Okalo, with a renewed call to carry forward his legacy of joyful priestly service, faith and compassion.
The memorial Mass was led by the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Vincent Orum Nimungu, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. James Michael Ebong, before proceeding to the blessing of the late priest’s grave where special prayers were offered.
Fr. Ponsiano died on July 25, 2025, at St. John XXIII Aber Hospital after serving the Church for 25 years. At the time of his death, he was a lecturer at Lira University, Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy and curate at Ober Catholic Parish. He was only weeks away from celebrating his Silver Jubilee in the priesthood.
In his homily, Fr. Orum encouraged the faithful to look beyond death and embrace the Christian hope of resurrection, comparing Fr. Ponsiano’s life to a flowering plant that continues to live through its seeds.
“The flower may wither after fulfilling its mission, but it leaves behind seeds that bring forth new life. In the same way, Father Ponsiano is not dead. His life continues, and that is the hope Christ gives us through the resurrection,” he said.
He described the late priest as a man whose life was measured not by its length but by its quality, recalling his ever-present smile, gentle spirit and dedicated ministry.
“The quality of life that he lived is what matters before God. He was a beautiful flower that God planted among us,” Fr. Orum said.
Drawing from the Gospel, he reminded Christians that Christ’s promise, “I am the resurrection and the life,” remains the source of consolation for believers and urged the congregation to remain faithful to the Eucharist, describing it as the path that prepares Christians for eternal life.
“The greatest gift we can give Fr. Ponsiano is to remain close to Jesus in the Eucharist—the same Eucharist he celebrated and shared with God’s people throughout his priestly ministry,” he added.
Remembering his son, Mr. Angelo Jasinta Akula, who served as a catechist for 56 years across what was then Gulu Diocese, thanked the faithful for their continued love and support shown to the family.
He urged those still grieving to celebrate Fr. Ponsiano’s life by continuing his mission rather than remaining in sorrow.
Mr. Kula paid special tribute to Christians of Ober Parish for standing with priests and supporting God’s servants throughout the years.
He also announced that the family will host a posthumous celebration of Fr. Ponsiano Okalo’s Silver Jubilee in the priesthood and his birthday on August 11, 2026, at their home in Bala Sub-county, Kole District, inviting Christians across the diocese to participate.
Also speaking during the memorial, Judith Abude, the Vocations Coordinator of St. Peter Claver Ober Parish, called upon Christians not only to pray for departed priests but also to remember those still serving.
“Many people seek prayers from priests every day, but we often forget that they too need our prayers to overcome the challenges they face in ministry,” she said.
Paying tribute to the late priest, Carlos Okwada described Fr. Ponsiano as “a priest of substance,” recalling his gift as an educator and trained psychologist whose counsel comforted the broken-hearted and restored hope to many people.
Throughout the celebration, family members participated in the offertory procession while the choir led hymns of hope and thanksgiving before the congregation proceeded to the cemetery for the blessing of the grave.
One year after his passing, the memorial celebration became more than a remembrance of a beloved priest. It was a renewed invitation for the faithful to emulate Fr. Ponsiano Okalo’s joyful witness, compassionate service and unwavering faith, ensuring that the seeds he planted continue to bear fruit in the Church and society.
End