By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira diocese
LIRA, Uganda – Lira Diocese, in partnership with the Bible Society of Uganda, has launched the revised edition of the Lango Catholic Bible (Buk Acil), ending more than five years during which the publication had been unavailable and encouraging Catholics to deepen their encounter with God’s Word.
The Bible was launched on Friday, July 24, during a one-day Church leaders’ sensitisation workshop held at Nazareth Family Centre in Bar Ogole. The workshop brought together priests, religious, catechists and lay leaders to learn about the Bible Society of Uganda’s ministry, including Scripture translation, trauma healing, youth programmes and support for people with visual disabilities.
Opening the workshop on behalf of Bishop Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Vincent Orum Nimungu, described the Bible apostolate as an important avenue for renewing evangelisation and strengthening missionary discipleship in the Church.
Quoting Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Fr. Orum reminded participants that “the joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus,” noting that the Scriptures remain the primary way through which Christians encounter Christ and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
“In today’s society, we are bombarded by many voices and noises, leaving little time to listen,” he said. “The Holy Spirit communicates to us through the Gospel in the Bible. Therefore, we are called more than ever to become a listening Church.”
He encouraged Christians to rediscover the transforming power of Scripture in their daily lives, saying the Bible apostolate empowers believers to become joyful missionary disciples capable of bringing hope to society.
Speaking on behalf of the Bible Society of Uganda, Fundraising Assistant Jesse Mungalo explained that the organisation serves all Christian denominations through Bible translation, publication and distribution.
He said the Society has so far translated the Bible into 21 Ugandan languages, including Lango, while also producing Braille and audio Bibles to ensure that people living with visual impairment are not left behind.
“This week we have been meeting leaders from different Christian denominations across Lira. Today we are with Catholic priests, catechists and church leaders, sharing the work of the Bible Society and introducing the revised Lango Catholic Bible, which is now available again after being out of stock,” Mungalo said.
He appealed to Christians to obtain and actively use the Scriptures, noting that the Society’s vision is for every Ugandan to have access to the Bible in a language they understand.
The Vicar for Clergy of Lira Diocese and consultant to the Bible Society of Uganda, Rev. Fr. Dr. Polycarp Opio, welcomed the reprinting of the Lango Catholic Bible, describing it as good news for the faithful.
“We are happy to receive the reprint of the Bible in Lango, Buk Acil. This is a great testimony and good news in our diocese,” he said.
Fr. Polycarp also encouraged parishes and church groups to take advantage of the Bible Society’s trauma healing programme, youth initiatives and other outreach programmes, saying they provide valuable support for communities.
“I am empowered to go back, mobilise support for the Bible Society and encourage our people, especially the young, to participate in its mission,” he added.
Closing the workshop, Fr. Orum thanked the Bible Society of Uganda for strengthening participants’ understanding of Scripture ministry and raising awareness about programmes that support vulnerable groups, particularly people living with blindness.
He called on Catholics to become members and supporters of the Bible Society while embracing regular Scripture reading.
“As Catholics we need to own the Bible because, as St. Jerome said, ‘Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ,'” he said.
He further noted that the diocese had actively participated in several Bible Society activities throughout the week, including programmes for women and youth, expressing confidence that the partnership would bear lasting fruit in strengthening biblical formation across the diocese.
The newly revised Lango Catholic Bible incorporates revisions suited to Catholic liturgical and pastoral use after many years in which Catholics largely relied on the Anglican Luo Bible due to the unavailability of the Catholic edition.
An initial 5,000 copies have been printed and are now available through the Diocesan Procure in Ngetta.
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