By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Lira, Uganda – Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, has called on consecrated men and women to live as a listening, faithful, and healing presence among God’s people, especially in communities marked by suffering, poverty, and the wounds of past conflict.
He made the call while presiding over a liturgical celebration for consecrated persons in Lira Diocese, where he reflected on the meaning of consecrated life in light of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
Drawing from the prophecy of Malachi, Bishop Wanok reminded the faithful that the Lord “enters His temple quietly and humbly, yet with power to purify.” He emphasized that consecrated life is not merely a memory or a collection of activities, but a living mystery in which men and women allow God to continually refine their lives.
“The coming of the Lord is not neutral,” he noted. “His presence disturbs, changes, and purifies. Consecrated life begins by standing before God and allowing Him to purify us again and again.”
Referring to the history of Lira and the wider Lango sub-region, the Bishop acknowledged the deep scars left by years of war, poverty, broken families, and overstretched institutions. He said consecrated men and women are placed by God at the heart of these wounded communities as witnesses of hope and healing.
“You are placed in this temple as a sign of what God is doing among His people,” he said.
Reflecting on the Gospel figures of Simeon and Anna, Bishop Wanok described them as symbols of a listening and discerning Church. Though not powerful or prominent, Simeon and Anna recognized the Lord because they remained faithful in prayer and attentive to the Holy Spirit.
“This is the image of a synodal Church,” he said, “a Church that listens, discerns, and walks together across generations.”
He emphasized that synodality is not a program imposed from outside, but a spirituality deeply rooted in the Gospel and reflected in African cultural values of communal wisdom and patient listening. He challenged consecrated persons to model these values so that communities may rediscover their identity and dignity.
Touching on the offering of Mary and Joseph, who presented Jesus with two turtle doves, the Bishop said the simplicity of their offering speaks powerfully to consecrated life today, especially in contexts of limited resources and fragile vocations.
“The Lord does not ask for what we do not have,” he said. “He asks for faithfulness. Synodality means offering what we have together.”
Bishop Wanok also acknowledged the hidden sacrifices of consecrated life, including misunderstanding, loneliness, and unrecognized service. He described these challenges as the “sword” spoken of by Simeon, painful, yet revealing hearts and opening the way for salvation.
“Your life is light,” he told the consecrated men and women. “Light does not argue or oppose; it reveals. Even when no one applauds, your faithful presence speaks.”
He concluded by encouraging consecrated persons to renew their commitment to prayer, community life, and mission, asking God to make the Church a listening, humble, and working Church that brings healing to the people it serves.
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