By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Christians from across Dokolo Deanery, accompanied by their priests, on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, warmly welcomed the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, during his pastoral deanery visitation to the area.
The pastoral visit brought together priests and Christian leaders from different levels of the Church to reflect on the pastoral life of the Diocese and receive guidance from their shepherd on the way forward.
Accompanied by Vicar General Monsignor Vallente Innocent Opio, Bishop Wanok shared important updates concerning the life and mission of the Diocese. He called upon Christians to generously support the formation of future priests through the September Mission Appeal for Seminarian Formation, noting that Lira Diocese currently has 118 major seminarians preparing for the priesthood. He explained that the increasing cost of formation, including tuition, accommodation, books, medical care, formation programmes, and pastoral training requires the support of the entire Christian community.
The Bishop also appealed for continued support towards St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Aboke, encouraging every parish, institution, schools, and Small Christian Communities to contribute generously towards the education and formation of future priests in Lira diocese.
Speaking about vocations, Bishop Wanok announced with gratitude that this year 2026, Lira Diocese has been blessed with 11 candidates to be ordained to the priesthood, eight candidates to the diaconate on 6th August 2026. He urged Christians to pray for vocations, encourage young people to respond to God’s call, support families that offer their sons to the Church, and accompany seminarians through both spiritual and material support.
Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, he reminded the faithful that, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37).
As the Diocese prepares to celebrate Diocesan Day on 11 July 2026, the Bishop encouraged every parish to organize prayers for the Diocese, teach the faithful about the history and mission of Lira Diocese, mobilize participation through Small Christian Communities, and promote diocesan solidarity through generous offerings and contributions.
In his catechesis, Bishop Wanok emphasized that Small Christian Communities should become vibrant communities of faith rather than merely existing as groups. He urged Christian leaders to strengthen these communities so that every member of the faithful actively participates in the life and mission of the Church.
The Bishop further encouraged families to plan for their development by investing in productive activities such as food crop cultivation and poultry keeping. He called upon parents to raise their children with dignity, responsibility, and strong Christian values, while preparing them for responsible Christian marriage and ensuring sound moral formation within their homes.
In his concluding remarks, Bishop Wanok called for a new way of working within the Church based on dialogue, unity, and peaceful collaboration. He likened the Church to an anthill, where every member contributes harmoniously without causing confusion, but works together for the common good.
He also highlighted six pastoral pillars that will continue guiding the Diocese: Health, Catechesis, Education, Caritas, Accountability, and Media. He urged Church leaders to exercise transparency and integrity in their work and to promote the responsible use of media as a tool for evangelization and unity.
The Bishop thanked all those who attended the meeting and encouraged them to embrace a spirit of renewal as the Diocese continues strengthening its pastoral mission.
In their response, the priests and Christian leaders received the Bishop’s message with great joy and excitement, expressing their commitment to support seminarian formation, contribute to the mission appeal for St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Aboke, promote vocations, and implement the pastoral guidance shared during the meeting. They thanked Bishop Wanok for his fatherly leadership and pastoral concern for the growth of the Church in Lira Diocese.
Following the conclusion of his pastoral visit to Dokolo Deanery, the Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok and his pastoral team will proceed to Apac Deanery on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, to continue the diocesan deanery pastoral visitation.
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