By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The 3rd Diocesan Education Week of Lira Diocese concluded in a spirit of thanksgiving, joy, and renewed commitment to Catholic education, with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, at the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral, Lira City.
The day began with a colorful march led by the Uganda Police Brass Band through the streets of Lira City, drawing crowds of cheering learners, teachers, parents, and well-wishers. The procession, a symbol of unity and faith, set the tone for the Eucharistic celebration that crowned a week filled with sports, learning, and fellowship.
Catholic Schools: Alive in Christ, Pilgrims of Hope
In his homily, Bishop Wanok reflected deeply on the week’s theme, “Catholic Schools Alive in Christ, Pilgrims of Hope.” He reminded learners, parents, and educators that Catholic schools are called to be both alive in Christ and pilgrims of hope, centers of faith, learning, and transformation.
“This week has trained us in participation and attendance, to be alive in Christ, to be hopeful, for we are on the move,” the Bishop said.
“Today, the Word of God shines a special light on our celebration. The streets are alive with the joyful marching of schools, teachers, parents, and leaders. We truly see the Church and society united in this hope, marching in this pilgrimage.”
Drawing from the prophet Zechariah, he likened Catholic schools to a “city without walls” open to all, welcoming knowledge, faith, and culture without barriers. He noted that Catholic education offers a stream of hope, like in Jeremiah’s prophecy, turning mourning into joy and transforming lives.
“How many children, once hopeless, have found life and joy because of Catholic schools?” he asked. “They have been welcomed, taught, and given dignity regardless of religion, color, or background.”
Bishop Wanok urged learners to understand that true greatness comes through sacrifice and service, not status.
“Education is not simply about passing exams or wearing beautiful uniforms. It is about forming young people who can carry the cross of responsibility, service, and love.”
He praised teachers as daily givers of themselves, often unseen, shaping the future with dedication, and called on learners to respond with discipline, faith, and a spirit of sacrifice.
Stakeholders Celebrate and Reflect
Canon Jane Obeny, the Lira City Education Officer, congratulated the Diocese on the successful celebration and urged future editions to include a focus on the family, noting that the home remains the first school.
She also commended the Bishop’s initiative of encouraging banana and coffee planting in schools, saying Lira City has adopted the same approach to promote agricultural learning for sustainability.
The Diocesan Education Secretary, Rev. Sr. Agnes Atala MSMMC, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for personally attending this year’s celebration and thanked education stakeholders from Lira City, Arua Diocese, and the Archdiocese of Gulu for their participation.
Dr. Oruru Bosco, Chairperson of the Diocesan Education Commission, compared schools to families, teachers as parents, learners as children, all centered under one God. He emphasized that many schools in Uganda were founded by the Church, with the government later joining as a partner in funding and infrastructure. He applauded the week’s theme for reaffirming the original mission of Catholic education.
Rev. Fr. Ronald Regan Okello, National Executive Secretary for Education at the Uganda Episcopal Conference, praised Bishop Wanok for his leadership in strengthening Catholic education nationwide. He revealed that the Bishop was instrumental in introducing Education Week beyond Lira, inspiring other dioceses to adopt it, and in founding the Association of Catholic Education Institutions (ACEI).
Fr. Regan emphasized that Catholic education aims to form the whole person, spiritually, mentally, and physically, and called for the integration of culture as emphasized by the Dicastery for Education.
A Call to Unity and Service
In his closing remarks, Bishop Wanok reflected on the lessons of the week:
“This Education Week has taught us that time is education, friendship, relationship, coordination, and teamwork. Teamwork makes us succeed.”
He reaffirmed the Church’s partnership with the government in building the nation through education, urging all stakeholders to work together for the common good. He cautioned against industrial actions that disrupt learning, saying they harm learners and contradict the true spirit of education.
Celebration and Awards
The week-long celebration ended on a high note with the presentation of trophies and certificates to outstanding schools and participants, recognizing excellence in sports, academics, and participation.
As the sun set over Lira City, songs of joy and thanksgiving filled the air, a testament to the faith, unity, and hope that Catholic education continues to nurture. Indeed, Catholic schools in Lira Diocese stand Alive in Christ, walking confidently as Pilgrims of Hope.
End.
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