BY Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Diocesan Pastoral Council Assembly of Lira Diocese 2026 has officially begun at the Ngetta Catechetical Pastoral Center. It has drawn together all priests of the diocese, a section of consecrated women, and the head of the laity in Lira Diocese, Hon. Jovino Rose Akaki Ayumu. The assembly commenced on 25th January 2026 with arrivals and will run until 29th January 2026.
At the opening of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, warmly welcomed all participants, mentioning them individually and expressing gratitude for their presence. Above all, he extended a special welcome to his predecessor, Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli, former Bishop of Lira Diocese.
He emphasized that gathering for the Diocesan Pastoral Council at the beginning of each year is a significant moment in the life of the Church in Lira Diocese. This year’s council is being held under the theme: “Walking together in the spirit of a Synodal Church in the 3rd Millennium: Participation, Communion, and Mission.”
Bishop Wanok explained that synodality is not a new program, but rather the way the Lord is calling His Church to journey in the third millennium. To be synodal means to walk together, listen together, discern together, and carry out the mission together. Quoting Pope Francis, he reminded the assembly that walking together is not optional—it is the path of the Church. Communion, he said, is the essence of the Church: “you and me.” By baptism, no one is a mere spectator; all are called to participate and all are sent.
He clarified that synodality does not replace Church teaching. Instead, it deepens communion, purifies leadership, and strengthens the mission. Authority in the Church, he stressed, means service, and true leadership must be evangelical in nature.
The bishop noted that this assembly comes at a time when the diocese is facing real pastoral challenges. He said by affirming that the strength of synodality lies in communion.
Bishop Wanok further highlighted the pressing needs in areas such as social communications, accountability, health, education, and faith formation. He emphasized that these challenges cannot be addressed by the bishop or the deans alone, but require the shared responsibility of all the baptized.
He noted that the assembly, guided by the Holy Spirit, would seek to discuss and address these issues. The bishop reminded participants that the purpose of the gathering is not to defend positions, give reports, or compete, but to discern the will of God and to listen to the entire diocese. This, he said, requires humility, honesty, and deep prayer. A truly synodal church calls for courage in speaking, attentiveness to the Word of God, openness to the voice of the Spirit, and listening to one another.
He cautioned that listening without discernment leads to problems, while true discernment must lead to mission. If discernment does not result in mission, he said, then its purpose has been missed. Synodality must also lead to ongoing formation, since as the Church gathers, it is also forming itself. Without formation, he warned, the process risks becoming mere noise.
The bishop expressed his hope that the assembly would help the diocese become a Church of communion and mission, a Church that listens and discerns together. He concluded his opening remarks by invoking God’s abundant blessing upon all participants, praying that the assembly may bear fruit for the growth of the Church in Lira Diocese.
End
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