By Pelegrine Otonga, Radio Wa, Lira Catholic Diocese
The Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese, His Grace John Baptist Dr. Odama, has called for renewed efforts in the cause for sainthood of Blessed Daudi Okello & Jildo Irwa, and Blessed Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli.
Addressing hundreds of pilgrims at the Marian Shrine in Iceme during celebrations for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary — an event that also marked his Golden Jubilee as a priest and 25 years as a bishop — Archbishop Odama urged Christians to seek the intercession of the Blessed martyrs for miracles that could lead to their canonization.
He said he has already embarked on a mission to guide the faithful on how to channel their intentions through the intercession of the Blessed martyrs.
Sharing testimonies, Archbishop Odama recalled the story of a woman who had longed to attend the ceremony in Rome where the Paimol martyrs, Daudi and Jildo, were declared Blessed. Without money for an air ticket or pocket expenses, she made a seven-day novena prayer. To her surprise, a lady from the UK later called and paid for her travel costs and even cleared her accumulated rent arrears.
On Dr. Ambrosoli, Archbishop Odama recounted the case of a woman named Rukia, who had undergone surgery to remove a lifeless child from her womb. She remained unconscious, with doctors doubtful of her recovery. However, when a photo of Dr. Ambrosoli — holding a child in his arms — was placed beside her head on a pillow, she regained consciousness. She later described seeing a man in a white cassock treating her. According to Archbishop Odama, this testimony, shared during the beatification ceremony at Kalongo, was among the miracles that led to Dr. Ambrosoli being declared Blessed.
He appealed to the faithful that if they wish to obtain favors from God — such as healing from sickness or deliverance from life’s challenges — they should wholeheartedly seek the intercession of Blessed Daudi & Jildo, and Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli.
The Archbishop Emeritus also expressed gratitude to God for the milestones achieved during his ministry, including the return of peace to northern Uganda, which he credited to the joint efforts of religious, cultural, and government leaders in silencing the guns between the LRA rebels and government forces.
He also thanked God for the beatifications of the Paimol martyrs and Dr. Ambrosoli, which took place during his tenure as Archbishop of Gulu.
In his remarks, the host Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, praised Archbishop Emeritus Odama as a man who sought peace in times of conflict, brought hope in moments of despair, and fostered reconciliation among opposing parties — a legacy that should never be taken for granted.
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