Bishop Wanok Urges Renewal and Unity During Ad Limina Visit in Rome

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called on the faithful to embrace spiritual renewal, unity, and practical Christian living during this Lenten season.

Delivering his homily from Vatican City, Rome, where he is participating in the Ad Limina visit of Catholic Bishops from Uganda, Bishop Wanok reflected on the message of the Fifth Sunday of Lent, emphasizing that the Word of God speaks directly to the realities faced by Christians in Lango subregion.

He highlighted key challenges affecting communities, including family conflicts, poverty, youth unemployment, weakening faith, and divisions within society and Church groups. Despite these difficulties, the Bishop reassured the faithful of God’s promise of new life and restoration.

Drawing from the Gospel account of the raising of Lazarus, Bishop Wanok underscored the importance of listening, collaboration, and shared responsibility within the Church. He encouraged Christians to become a listening community, to work together in overcoming challenges, and to actively support one another in faith.

The Bishop also called on individuals to reflect on personal and communal obstacles such as unforgiveness, division, corruption, and lack of active participation in Church life, urging them to take concrete steps toward change.

He emphasized that true renewal in Lira Diocese will come through a deeper relationship with God and openness to the Holy Spirit, rather than plans alone.

As part of his Lenten message, Bishop Wanok proposed three key actions for the faithful: deepening prayer life, strengthening Small Christian Communities, and taking practical steps to reconcile, support the needy, and guide the youth.

He concluded by encouraging hope and faith among the faithful, reminding them that God continues to call His people to new life.

The Bishop delivered his homily during the ongoing Ad Limina visit, a significant moment of prayer and reflection for bishops in communion with the universal Church, in the Vatican City, Rome.

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