By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has called on priests and Christian leaders to work together in promoting unity and participation within the Church, emphasizing that the mission of every Christian begins at baptism.
Addressing priests, pastoral council members, and Christian leaders from across Aboke Deanery at St. Paul’s Catholic Parish, Aboke, on Wednesday, Bishop Wanok said the Church’s mission is to ensure that everyone walks together in faith.
Speaking about the Synodal Church, the Bishop highlighted three key pillars: the use of individual gifts, shared responsibility in the Church, and keeping Christ at the centre of activities.
“We are gathered here today to reflect on the mission given to us at baptism,” he said, stressing that no one should receive the sacrament without understanding its meaning and responsibilities.
The Bishop described baptism as the gateway into the Church, the Body of Christ. He explained that through baptism, Christians leave behind the ways of the world and begin a new journey with Jesus Christ, marked by a new life in faith.
According to Bishop Wanok, baptism enables believers to appreciate and understand the Word of God, which should remain a priority and guide in everyday life. He cautioned Christians against drifting away from the path of Christ and pursuing personal interests at the expense of their faith.
In his catechesis on baptism, the Bishop noted that the sacrament calls Christians to become prophets, priests, and kings who dedicate their lives to the service of humanity and live as witnesses of Christ’s light.
He further emphasized the importance of every Christian family owning a Bible, describing the Word of God as the primary point of reference for believers.
“The Word of God should guide our daily lives because it reveals what Christ is telling us every day,” he said.
Reflecting on the Synod, Bishop Wanok encouraged Christians to embrace a new culture of listening. He challenged the faithful to examine whether they are truly attentive to God’s voice and to one another.
Using the example of young chicks listening attentively to the call of their mother hen, the Bishop said the Synod invites Christians to develop a deeper and more attentive way of listening in order to discover Christ more fully.
Turning to leadership, Bishop Wanok underscored the need for strong and capable leaders within the Church and society.
“A good leader is not defined by what he or she has, but by who he or she is,” the Bishop said. “A true leader possesses the capacity to unite people and build communities around a common purpose.”
On the Sacrament of Matrimony, the Bishop urged Christians to reflect on the values that should guide marriage. He emphasized that marriage should be founded on genuine love between a man and a woman and expressed concern that some parents discourage their children from embracing the sacrament.
He called on parents to nurture their children from an early age in Christian faith and maturity, enabling them to make informed and faith-filled decisions about their future.
Speaking about consecrated life, Bishop Wanok acknowledged the important role of parents in helping their children discern their vocations. He noted that young people may be called to religious life as priests, brothers, or sisters, while others may be called to marriage.
According to the Bishop, proper discernment becomes possible when families live in peace and journey together in faith.
The Bishop’s address to pastoral council leaders continues at St. Paul Catholic Parish, Aboke
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