By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Catholic Diocese
Lira, Uganda – The Catholic community of Lira Diocese is set for a day of grace and celebration as the Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira, will preside over the ordination of two deacons to the priesthood and ten seminarians to the diaconate on Wednesday, September 4, 2025, at the ordination grounds of Uganda Martyrs Cathedral, Lira Diocese. The solemn liturgy, beginning at 10:00 a.m., will be animated by Aloi Deanery.
A Joyous Milestone
On that day, Deacon. George Olwanda Ochieng and Deacon. Ray Atula will be ordained priests, embracing the lifelong mission of shepherding God’s people through Word and Sacrament. Alongside them, ten seminarians will be ordained deacons, two of whom, David Onyango and Brian Obbo, belong to the young congregation of the Sons of St. Pius of Pietrelcina (SSPP – Sons of Mercy).
These ordinations will not only strengthen pastoral service in the Diocese but also highlight the gift of vocations as a sign of hope for the Church in Northern Uganda.
Faces of Vocation
Though many will gather to witness the laying on of hands, it is the quiet, prayerful journeys of the candidates that shine most brightly. While Dns. Olwanda and Atula step into priesthood, the stories of Onyango and Obbo stand as living testimonies of God’s call. Both have embraced formation under the SSPP, a growing religious family whose charism emphasizes mercy, service, and closeness to the poor.
Their journeys, marked by perseverance, family faith, and community witness, represent the faces of many young Africans courageously saying yes to God in today’s world.
Africa Rising in Vocations
This ordination in Lira comes at a time when the Catholic Church is experiencing contrasting trends across the globe. While vocations to the priesthood have declined sharply in Europe and parts of the Americas, Africa continues to witness growth. Recent Vatican statistics show that Africa is the only continent where the number of major seminarians is rising, with nearly 34,000 in formation, and the Catholic population growing from 176 million to over 280 million in just over a decade.
For Lira Diocese, the ordination of 12 young men is not only a local milestone but also part of this wider African story, one that signals hope, renewal, and vitality for the global Church.
Bishop Wanok’s Call
Bishop Wanok is expected to remind the ordinands and the faithful of the sacred responsibility that comes with Holy Orders. In his pastoral guidance, he often emphasizes service rooted in humility and prayer:
“The call to priesthood and diaconate is not about prestige, but about love — to serve God’s people with faithfulness and mercy.”
Looking Ahead
As the bells of Uganda Martyrs Cathedral prepare to ring out on September 4, the Diocese awaits a celebration that will echo far beyond the ordination grounds. The faithful are invited to gather in thanksgiving and prayer, offering support for the new priests and deacons who will dedicate their lives to building up the Body of Christ in Lango and beyond.
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