By Fr.Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
On a radiant morning of 4th September 2025 at the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral Ordination Grounds, the faithful began to gather as early as 7:30 am, drawn by the promise of a divine celebration. The air was filled with reverence and anticipation as Christians from across the parishes of Lira Diocese, and even beyond,came together to witness a momentous occasion: the ordination of 10 deacons and 2 priests, chosen and consecrated to serve in the vineyard of the Lord.
Among those ordained were Fr. George Ochieng and Fr. Ray Atual-AJ, now called to shepherd the flock of Christ with love, humility, and sacrifice. The newly ordained deacons include Ambrose Adupa from Aber Parish, Dicken Opoo from Otwal Parish, Jimmy Dila from Aboke Parish, Isaac Opio from Teboke Parish, Lawrence Ojok from Anyeke Parish, Samson Odongo and Ceaser Opio, both from Lira Cathedral Parish, and Emmanuel Okello from Anyeke Parish. Additionally, Deacons David Onyango and Brian Obbo belong to a clerical religious association within Lira Diocese known as the Sons of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (SSPP). Each of these men has now been entrusted with the sacred mission of service, proclamation, and bearing witness to the Gospel of Christ.
This sacred event marked a historic milestone in the spiritual journey of Lira Diocese. Priests, religious brothers and sisters, and lay faithful from various congregations converged in unity and joy, their hearts lifted in prayer and thanksgiving. It was a day when heaven touched earth, and the Church rejoiced in the miracle of vocation.
In the days leading up to the ordination, the Central Organizing Committee labored with devotion and diligence to ensure the success of the celebration. Their efforts were matched by the vibrant energy of the youth from Lira Cathedral Parish, who poured their hearts into preparing for the day—an offering of love and service to the Church.
The ordination was not only graced by Christians from within Lira Diocese, but also by pilgrims and believers from dioceses in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, respectively. Their presence was a testament to the unity of the Body of Christ and the shared joy in witnessing God’s work among His people. This gathering reflected the deeper communion of the Church across borders, echoing the spirit of the East African Community and the pastoral solidarity championed by AMECEA. In this sacred moment, language, nationality, and geography faded before the light of faith, as the faithful stood together—one Church, one mission, one hope in Christ.
As the ceremony began, the bishop, moved by the sacredness of the moment, reflected that when God performs miracles among His people, words often fall short. With humility and warmth, he extended a heartfelt welcome to the dignitaries present, beginning with the Lango Paramount Chief, His Highness Eng. Dr. Michael Odongo Okune. His presence, along with that of esteemed political leaders, added a profound sense of honor and solidarity to the occasion.
The bishop also acknowledged the generous contributions made by these leaders, including the donation of tents that sheltered the congregation—a gesture of charity that reflected the spirit of servant leadership.
In his address, the bishop welcomed all civil leaders and dignitaries, inviting them to witness the sacred mystery unfolding before them: the ordination of men called by God to serve His Church. It was a moment of divine encounter, a celebration of faith, and a renewal of hope for the future of the Church in Lira and beyond.
A Celebration of Grace and Beauty
The joy of the ordination was unmistakable- radiating through song, dance, and sacred ritual. Aloi Deanery, entrusted with animating the liturgy, elevated the Mass with carefully chosen hymns that stirred the soul and lifted hearts into a posture of praise and worship. Their voices became instruments of grace, echoing the joy of heaven as the Church welcomed new servants into the fold.
Adding to the spiritual tapestry, the Catholic Women’s Guild and liturgical dancers from Aloi Deanery graced the Gospel and Offertory processions with reverent choreography and vibrant cultural expression. Their movements told stories of faith, creativity, and unity, showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of the parishes within Aloi. It was a moment where tradition met transcendence, and the Church rejoiced in the diversity of its people.
Message from the Lord: The Call of Samuel
Reflecting on the first reading from 1 Samuel 3:1–10 the bishop offered a profound meditation on the mystery of vocation. He reminded the faithful that God’s call often comes quietly, as it did to young Samuel, who responded with humility and obedience. Guided by Eli, Samuel learned to discern the voice of the Lord-a lesson the bishop extended to the seminarians present, urging them to listen attentively to their own “Eli,” the formators who walk with them in their journey of discernment.
In a world filled with noise and distraction, the bishop emphasized the need for silence and spiritual attentiveness. “God still speaks,” he said, “but we must be still enough to hear Him.”
A Journey of Transformation and Surrender
The bishop spoke with deep conviction about the transformative nature of ordination. “To be called ‘Father’ is not merely a title,” he said, “it is a sign of the miracle God performs in the soul of one who surrenders to His will.” Though the world may doubt, the Church believes-because it is God who calls, and God who equips.
He reminded the candidates that ordination is not an end, but a beginning-a sacred surrender to a lifelong mission of proclaiming the Good News. “You are entering a journey within the synodal Church,” he said, “a path that demands courage, humility, and unwavering faith.”
A Mission to Heal and Teach
The bishop urged the newly ordained to be shepherds who teach, heal, and build. He called for cooperation with government and cultural leaders, encouraging them to guide society toward the path God desires, even when met with resistance. “Do not give up,” he said. “You are the light in the stubborn places.”
He emphasized the importance of education, justice, and accountability, encouraging the clergy to ensure that their communities are formed in both science and art, and that their flocks walk together in righteousness.
A New Family in Christ
Ordination, the bishop said, is an invitation into a new spiritual family, a communion of solidarity and grace. “You are now joined to the priesthood of the bishop,” he reminded them. “Act always by the power and presence of God.”
He exhorted the deacons and priests to serve with joy, purity, and charity. “No one can serve two masters,” he warned, speaking candidly about the temptation of money in politics, culture, and ministry. “Use money to save lives, build relationships, and do good work. Do not let it corrupt your calling.”
Embracing Celibacy and Witness
The bishop spoke tenderly about the gift of celibacy, calling it a sign of pastoral charity and spiritual fruitfulness. “You are for all,” he said. “You have no boundaries. Let your life be a witness to the love of Christ.”
He urged the candidates to be men of wisdom and good reputation, to hold fast to their faith with clear conscience, and to never allow doubt to dim the flame of hope. “Show yourselves before others without reproach,” he said. “Keep your faith burning. Let the light of Christ shine through you.”
A Royal Presence and a Message of Peace
Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to the Lango Paramount Chief, His Highness Eng. Dr. Michael Odongo Okune, noting with joy that it was his very first time to witness a diocesan ordination. His presence was a blessing, a symbol of unity between Church and culture, faith and tradition.
When the Paramount Chief addressed the congregation, his words carried the weight of wisdom and compassion. He thanked all who had gathered to celebrate this sacred occasion, and expressed deep gratitude to the bishop for inviting him to grace the event. In a touching moment, he commended a missionary priest Rev. Fr. John Valero -MCCJ, a Comboni Missionary from Spain for his fluency in the Lango language, blessing him as a true son of the land, a gesture that reflected the beauty of cultural embrace and spiritual kinship.
Echoing the bishop’s message, the Paramount Chief affirmed that ordination brings profound transformation, not only to the ordained, but to the entire community. He thanked the parents of the newly ordained for raising their children in faith and moral integrity, recognizing that vocation begins in the home, nurtured by love and prayer.
Invitation to Heal Families and Uplift Communities
To the newly ordained, the Paramount Chief offered a heartfelt exhortation: be messengers of peace. He urged them to speak into the brokenness of families, where violence, addiction, and neglect have taken root. He called attention to the pain of land disputes, the abandonment of the elderly and sick, and the growing number of street children. “Reach out to families,” he pleaded, “bring healing where there is hurt, and light where there is darkness.”
He encouraged the faithful to embrace government programs like PDM and Emyoga, designed to alleviate poverty and restore dignity. “Let us work together,” he said, “to initiate pathways of hope and transformation.”
Plea for Healing and Unity
The Paramount Chief also expressed deep appreciation to the Church for standing with him during a time of transition in the leadership of Lango. He acknowledged the wounds left by past conflicts and emphasized the urgent need for trauma healing and reconciliation. “Many are still hurting,” he said, “but we must preach tolerance and walk together toward peace.”
In closing, he humbly asked for a blessing from Bishop Wanok, a gesture that underscored the sacred bond between spiritual authority and cultural leadership.
End
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