By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Bishop Emeritus Joseph Franzelli’s remarkable recovery from a rare heart condition has left him speechless, yet overflowing with gratitude. Attributing his newfound lease on life to the intercession of Pope St. John Paul II and the prayers of the faithful in Lira Diocese, Bishop Franzelli shared his awe-inspiring testimony during the diocese’s 57th anniversary celebration on July 12, 2025. This momentous occasion also marked his 20th anniversary as Bishop, a milestone that filled his heart with joy and thanksgiving.
Recalling his near-death experience, Bishop Franzelli described his three-day coma at Mulago National Referral Hospital as a profound encounter with the divine. He likened his journey to that of Lazarus, raised from the dead by Jesus, and marveled at the parallels between their stories. Following his discharge, Bishop Franzelli received further treatment in Italy, where he spent nine months in recovery. Now, at 83, he radiates gratitude, his heart filled with the psalms’ timeless wisdom: “Miserere and Magnificat, Have mercy and My soul magnifies the Lord.”
The coincidence that struck Bishop Franzelli’s heart was that Pope St. John Paul II, the same pontiff he believes interceded for his recovery, had appointed him as Bishop of Lira Diocese on April 1, 2005, just a day before the Pope’s passing. This poignant connection deepened Bishop Franzelli’s devotion to the Pope and reinforced his faith. As he looked out at the sea of faces gathered for the anniversary celebration, he felt a sense of gratitude and wonder.
As the Bishop Emeritus concluded, he urged the people of God in Lira Diocese to reconcile with one another, recognizing that we all have our weaknesses, and to continue working together for the growth of the Diocese. He then led a prayer for the day, thanking God for 57 years of Lira Diocese, and asked God to strengthen the faith of the Christians in Lira Diocese and to remove any divisions among them. He prayed for Lira Diocese to be united as one people in love, and for His love to be reflected in their actions.
Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok, the current shepherd of Lira Diocese, presided over the Eucharistic celebration, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the faithful for their unwavering support and active participation in the 57th Diocesan Anniversary. With a warm smile, he announced that Dokolo Deanery would have the honor of animating the 59th Diocesan Anniversary celebrations, building on the spirit of unity and joy that filled the day.
The 57th anniversary celebration drew Christians from all 29 parishes and sub-parishes in Lira Diocese, who braved the afternoon rain to make generous contributions towards completing the Bishop’s house, now nearly 90% finished. The outpouring of love and support was palpable as each parish presented its offerings, filling the atmosphere with joy and gratitude.
Fr. Bobin Maria, a Dominican missionary from India, brought an international flavor to the celebration as he represented The Jesus Youth at the Lira Youth Centre in Ngetta. With heartfelt gratitude, he thanked Bishop Wanok and the entire diocese for warmly welcoming the Jesus Youth team. Members from diverse countries, including Qatar, India, and the United Arab Emirates, had gathered to share the Word of God through retreats and evangelization programs, spreading joy and spiritual renewal across parishes in the diocese.
As the celebration drew to a close, the faithful reflected on the significance of July 12th, the day the Holy See established Lira Diocese as a separate entity from Gulu Diocese in 1968. Apac Deanery’s vibrant animation had set the tone for a joyous anniversary, bringing together clergy, laity, and political leaders in a testament to the diocese’s enduring spirit. With gratitude and hope, the people of Lira Diocese looked forward to the next chapter in their journey of faith.
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