The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has on Thursday 1st August ordained four deacons into priesthood in a colourful ceremony held at Lira Cathedral Ordination Ground. Hundreds of congregants braced the scorching sun to witness the significant occasion.
In his homily, Bishop Wanok emphasized the symbolic importance of the ordination, describing it as a call for everyone to emerge from the darkness of suffering into the light.
He urged the newly ordained priests to remain obedient to God and accountable to their superior, the Bishop. The Bishop encouraged them to abandon past traditional desires and dedicate themselves fully to preaching the gospel.
Among the newly ordained priests was Fr. Isaac Ojok, whose mother, Imat Filda, expressed her joy and gratitude for her son’s calling. The other new priests are Fr. Haron Ojok, Fr. Moses Opio, and Fr. Brian Ekwaro.
The newly ordained priests included Fr. Isaac Ojok from the Missionary Congregation of the Camillians, Fr. Haron Ojok and Fr. Moses Opio from Uganda Martyrs Parish Minakulu, and Fr. Brian Ekwaro from the Spiritan Congregation originally from Christ the King Teboke Parish. They will continue their service in the parishes where they previously served as deacons, bringing fresh zeal and dedication to their new roles as priests.
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In addition to the ordinations, the ceremony also saw the announcement of several transfers within the diocese. Priests were reassigned to new parishes, including Fr. Deogracious Odwee to Teboke Parish and Fr. Carlo Ojuka to Aduku as curate. These changes reflect the ongoing commitment to spiritual leadership and service within the diocese.
In a surprising turn, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Opio, Chancellor of Lira Diocese, announced the indefinite suspension of four priests—Fr. John Bosco Ojede, Fr. Joel Omeja, Fr. Moses Otom, and Fr. Alfred Okello Junior—for unspecified reasons. This suspension strips them of their powers of orders and governance effective immediately.
The ordination highlighted the dedication and growth of the Lira Diocese community, with the newly ordained priests set to continue their ministry in the parishes where they previously served as deacons.
ENDS
