Uganda Martyrs Cathedral Archives - LIRA CATHOLIC DIOCESE

Bishop Wanok Calls Christians to Become Builders of Reconciliation and Unity

Preaching during his Sunday homily for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A), Bishop Wanok said the Gospel reminds every believer that faith is lived in relationship with others and that Christians have a duty to care for one another.

“We are not isolated Christians. We belong to one another, and therefore we are responsible for one another”, Bishop Wanok said.

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called on Christians to become agents of reconciliation by embracing dialogue, forgiveness, and mutual responsibility in their families, communities, and society.

“We are not isolated Christians. We belong to one another, and therefore we are responsible for one another”, Bishop Wanok said.

Reflecting on the first reading from the Book of Ezekiel (33:7–9), the bishop explained that God appoints His people as “sentries” who must lovingly warn others whenever they are moving away from the path of truth.

Bishop Wanok also reflected on Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of Matthew (18:15–20), emphasizing that Christian correction should always aim at reconciliation rather than humiliation.

“Jesus does not tell us to spread the story or condemn the person. He tells us to go to the person, speak, listen and seek reconciliation. The goal is not to win an argument but to win back a brother or sister,” the bishop said.

He observed that many families and communities continue to suffer because of unresolved conflicts, misunderstandings, political divisions, tribalism and broken relationships.

Linking the Gospel message to the Church’s synodal journey, Bishop Wanok encouraged Christians to become a listening and reconciling Church.

“Before speaking about somebody, speak to somebody. Before judging, listen. Before spreading a story, verify it. A synodal Church must become a reconciling Church because we cannot walk together if we refuse to forgive,” he said.

Quoting St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, the Bishop reminded the faithful that the greatest obligation of every Christian is the debt of mutual love.

“Our true wealth is not what we possess. Our true wealth is the love we give and the relationships we restore. We owe love to our families, our neighbors, the poor and even those with whom we disagree,” he emphasized.

The bishop further challenged Christians to extend reconciliation beyond the Church by becoming builders of peace within society.

Drawing from Jesus’ promise that “where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them,” Bishop Wanok said Christ remains present wherever people gather sincerely to restore broken relationships and seek peace.

As a practical challenge for the week, he encouraged the faithful to listen before speaking, seek personal dialogue when conflicts arise, apologise when they have caused harm, and willingly forgive those who sincerely seek reconciliation.

Concluding his homily, Bishop Wanok appealed to Christians to take the initiative in healing broken relationships.

The bishop concluded by praying that the Lord would soften hardened hearts, heal wounded relationships and make His people true instruments of reconciliation, peace and unity in the Church and in society.

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Bishop Wanok Amplifies Catholic Bishops’ Calls for Release of Political Detainees and National Renewal

By Pelegrine Otonga, News Editor, Radio Wa

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has renewed the Catholic Church’s appeal for the release of individuals detained on political grounds.

While delivering his homily during Easter Mass at Uganda Martyrs Lira Cathedral, Bishop Wanok referenced the 2026 Easter Pastoral Message issued on April 4 at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat. The message highlighted ongoing national concerns, including deaths, injuries, trauma, and the continued detention of some citizens linked to political processes.

The pastoral message was presented by the Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa, who called on Ugandans to embrace repentance, forgiveness, and unity.

Echoing this message, Bishop Wanok emphasized that the political season has passed and urged authorities to release political detainees, promote justice, and prioritize peaceful dialogue as a foundation for nation-building in the spirit of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He noted that Northern Uganda is still healing from the scars of political and tribal divisions, stressing the importance of the upcoming Provincial Prayer Peace Week to be hosted in Lira City. The gathering will bring together participants from West Nile, Acholi, Teso, and Karamoja to foster reconciliation, forgiveness, and lasting peace. Bishop Wanok added that the true spirit of Easter will be demonstrated through local families hosting pilgrims in their homes, rather than in institutions or hotels.

However, the bishop also expressed concern over Uganda’s ranking among countries with high levels of corruption and alcohol abuse. He urged Christians to reflect Christ-like values of love, peace, and self-control.

As Easter symbolize new life and renewal, Bishop Wanok’s message calls on both leaders and citizens to rise above division and injustice, embracing reconciliation, accountability and moral transformation for a more united and peaceful Uganda.

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Bishop Wanok Calls for Faith, Unity, and Renewal in Palm Sunday Message to Lira Diocese

In his Palm Sunday message, the bishop reflected on the dual nature of the day’s liturgy, Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the solemn reading of His Passion. He emphasized that true Christian discipleship involves not only moments of celebration but also walking with Christ through suffering and the Cross.

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

As Christians across the world marked Palm Sunday, on 29th March 2026, the beginning of Holy Week, thr Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the of Lira diocese delivered a heartfelt homily to the faithful of Lira Diocese and listeners of Radio WA, urging them to embrace both the joy and sacrifice at the heart of the Christian journey.

Highlighting the humility of Jesus, who entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey rather than in royal splendor, Bishop Wanok described Him as “a different kind of king

the king who serves, saves, and gives his life for his people.” He challenged believers to reflect personally on their relationship with Christ, asking, “Who is Jesus in your life?”

Drawing from Scripture, the bishop connected the Suffering Servant in Isaiah, the lament of the Psalms, and Saint Paul’s teaching on Christ’s self-emptying love to illustrate the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice. He reminded the faithful that Christ understands human suffering and remains close to those experiencing hardship, poverty, and discouragement.

Bishop Wanok also spoke about the importance of humility, service, and communal unity, especially within what he described as a “synodal Church”, a Church that walks together. He encouraged Christians to support one another, listen deeply, and carry each other’s burdens during this sacred season.

Reflecting on the Passion narrative, he noted the different human responses to Jesus, from betrayal and denial to faithfulness and courage. He urged believers to use Holy Week as a time for personal reflection, repentance, and renewal.

Recalling his recent visit to Rome for the ad limina apostolorum, the bishop shared how praying at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul inspired hope, noting that even in human weakness, God’s grace leads to transformation and strength.

He concluded by encouraging practical actions during Holy Week: fostering forgiveness within families, participating in liturgical celebrations, caring for the poor and vulnerable, and seeking reconciliation with God.

“Palm Sunday reminds us that carrying palms is only the beginning,” Bishop Wanok said. “We are called to walk with Christ through the entire journey, toward the Cross and ultimately the joy of the Resurrection.”

The bishop ended his message with a prayer for families, youth, clergy, and the wider Church, asking for renewed faith, unity, and strength during Holy Week.

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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: Uganda Martyrs Cathedral

Bishop Wanok Calls Christians to Become Builders of Reconciliation and Unity

Bishop Wanok Amplifies Catholic Bishops’ Calls for Release of Political Detainees and National Renewal

Bishop Wanok Calls for Faith, Unity, and Renewal in Palm Sunday Message to Lira Diocese