By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Lira Catholic Diocese has officially closed the Jubilee Year of the Holy Doors, with the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, calling on Christians to carry forward the grace of the Jubilee by strengthening their families, embracing unity, and committing themselves to mission and responsible leadership.
Presiding over the closing celebrations, Bishop Wanok clarified that while the Holy Door has been ceremonially closed, God’s grace remains ever open to those who continue to live according to His will.
“We are closing the Holy Door, but our house is not closing. Our door remains open because we are living under the grace of God’s love,” the Bishop said.
He cautioned the faithful against allowing distractions, misplaced trust, and poor leadership to weaken Christian families and communities, warning that when people lose direction, they risk allowing others to shape their values and future.
Reflecting on the Holy Family of Nazareth, Bishop Wanok reminded Christians that God delivers His people from suffering when they listen to His voice and remain faithful. He pointed to St. Joseph’s obedience, noting that Joseph protected the child Jesus and Mary by responding promptly to God’s guidance.
“Let us not run everywhere. Let us trust God to fight for us and protect our families,” he emphasized.
The Bishop described the Christian home as the ‘golden door’, stressing that it must remain open, guarded, and rooted in faith.
“The home is the first church. It is here that you will see the power and the glory of God,” he said.
He further underscored the importance of mutual respect within families, especially between children and elders, noting that respect forms the foundation upon which grace, hope, and blessings flow.
“If we do not respect one another, we cannot build this home. This is where we receive our grace, our hope, and our strength,” he added.
Turning to diocesan leadership, Bishop Wanok called on priests, deacons, religious, and lay leaders to imitate St. Joseph by listening daily to the voice of God and courageously guiding God’s people.
“Do not be afraid of leading people to the safe place, to the right direction,” he urged.
He encouraged leaders, both men and women, to remain united in prayer, especially when faced with challenges within communities and families, emphasizing that discernment must be done together rather than in isolation.
Addressing the youth, the Bishop challenged them to take responsibility now and not postpone leadership, urging them to use their skills, talents, and creativity to support their families and communities, particularly in times of economic hardship.
As the Jubilee Year came to an end, Bishop Wanok made a strong appeal for action, unity, and renewed commitment to mission, noting that the closure of the Holy Door should not result in spiritual complacency.
“This is a time for our action. The closing of the door should not be the closing of our homes or our mission,” he said.
He encouraged Christians to open themselves to mission and labour, and to work together in small, united groups, stressing that isolation deepens poverty and vulnerability, particularly among idle youth.
“Alone we cannot make it. Together we can reduce idleness among the youth and protect them from becoming vulnerable,” he noted.
In his concluding prayer, Bishop Wanok entrusted the faithful to the continued guidance of God’s grace, asking that the blessings received during the Jubilee Year may accompany Christians in every aspect of life.
“May the grace of God guide you in your journey, in your places of work, in your leadership, in your politics, and in all your undertakings. Let us be united and move together,” he prayed.
He reminded the faithful that the Church has opened the way for walking together, urging them to embrace unity, mission, and faithfulness in the years ahead.
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