By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Apac Catholic Parish, 1 July 2026 – The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, is meeting with priests and pastoral council leaders from all parishes under Apac Deanery as part of his ongoing pastoral visit to the deanery.
In his opening remarks, Bishop Wanok warmly welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude for their presence and commitment to the life and mission of the Church.
Introducing the theme of his pastoral visit, “Walking Together in Christ: Communion, Participation and Mission for an Eucharist-Centred Community,” the Bishop reflected on the meaning of communion as the foundation of Christian life. He explained that communion begins in the family, where the love between a husband and wife unites them in marriage and, through God’s blessing, brings forth children as precious gifts. He emphasized that this communion is further strengthened and extended through the Sacrament of Baptism, by which every Christian becomes a member of the Body of Christ.
The Bishop encouraged parents to take an active role in nurturing their children’s faith, observing that many families today face challenges that weaken relationships between parents and children. He urged families to create opportunities for children to know God more deeply and to grow in the Christian faith.
Reflecting on the Church’s synodal journey, Bishop Wanok reminded the faithful that through Baptism, every Christian is called to participate in the life and mission of the Church. This participation begins in Small Christian Communities, where believers share their experiences of faith, support one another, and discern together how to live the Gospel more faithfully. He noted that genuine participation can only flourish where there is true communion among God’s people.
“The family that remains united,” the Bishop said, “is inspired by the Holy Spirit to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church according to the gifts God has bestowed upon each member.”
Echoing the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, Bishop Wanok encouraged the participants to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit generously in building up the living Body of Christ. He challenged them to reflect on the mission entrusted to every Christian, saying that Christ has called His followers to unite all God’s people and to reach out to those who have not yet come to know Him.
The Eucharist at the Centre of Christian Mission
Bishop Wanok emphasized that the Church’s mission cannot succeed without the Eucharist. He explained that without Christ at the centre, the Church’s mission risks being reduced to material concerns rather than the proclamation of the Gospel.
“The mission entrusted to us draws its strength from the Eucharist,” he said. “Through the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and receive the grace needed to carry out His mission faithfully.”
He also reflected on the unique role of priests, noting that through the sacrament of Holy Orders they act in the person of Christ, consecrating bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, thereby nourishing the faithful spiritually.
Living as a Synodal Church
Explaining the meaning of a synodal Church, Bishop Wanok described it as a Church where God’s people listen attentively to God and to one another, participate according to their different vocations, share responsibility for the Church’s mission, and keep Christ and the Eucharist at the centre of all they do.
Turning to the challenges facing Christian families, the Bishop acknowledged that many marriages experience difficulties that can lead to separation and broken family relationships. He stressed that promoting stable marriages and strong family life is the responsibility of the entire Christian community.
He encouraged the faithful to address these challenges together by walking as one family of God in the spirit of synodality, where mutual listening, shared responsibility, forgiveness, and communion strengthen both families and the wider Church.
The meeting forms part of Bishop Wanok’s pastoral visit to Apac Deanery, aimed at strengthening communion among the faithful, encouraging active participation in the Church’s mission, and renewing commitment to building Eucharist-centred Christian communities throughout the Diocese.
Apac Deanery comprises; Christ the Redeemer Catholic Parish, Apac; Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Alenga; St. Francis of Assisi Sub-Parish, Ayago; Christ the King Parish, Teboke; and St. Joseph’s Parish, Aduku.
This is a developing story. More details from the Bishop’s pastoral visit will follow in subsequent updates.
End
Recent Comments