UGANDA: New Bishop of Soroti Consecrated and Installed
New Bishop of Soroti Installed
The extra -ordinary appearance of a bright sunshine amidst a silvery cloud in many colours in the middle of the Holy Mass for the consecration and installation of the 3rd Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese attracted ululations from thousands of Christians gathered at Father Hilder school Ground in Soroti town.
The sudden appearance of the remarkable sunshine that lasted for five minutes on the 25th May, 2019, occurred when choir members were singing a song to welcome the Holy Spirit, prompting some members of the congregation to remark that God has blessed the occasion and the new Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach.
At the top of their excitement, Christians shouted while others waved at the cloud that quickly formed round the sun in different colours. Thereafter, the sunshine diminished with a calm blue sky that hovered over the arid ground and Christians composed themselves to hear the homily that was eloquently delivered by Most Rev. Emmanuel Obbo of Tororo.
The colourful ceremony was presided by the Archbishop of Tororo Most. Rev. Emmanuel Obbo who until then was the Apostolic Administrator of Soroti Diocese.
Archbishop Obbo said the appointment of Rt. Rev. Joseph Eciru as Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese is a sign of God’s love for the people, of maturity and the autonomy of Christian communities in faith.
He also tasked the Christians in Soroti Catholic Diocese to offer their support in a bid to pave way for the success of the new bishop in his episcopal ministry.
The Bishop further commended the works of missionary priests in the Diocese, which laid the foundation of Christianity in Teso, an initiative that facilitated the people to grow and sustain their faith. He further challenged the overwhelming number of Christians in Soroti to embrace sacramental life in order to strengthen their maturity in faith.
In his speech, Rt. Rev. Joseph Eciru Oliach honoured the contributions made by his predecessors and the foundation laid that led to the growth of Christianity in Teso at large.
Meanwhile Rt. Rev. Anthony Joseph Zziwa, the chairperson Uganda Episcopal Conference congratulated the new bishop for accepting the responsibility and asked the priests in the Diocese to render their collegial support and cooperation to the new bishop.
The occasion was also honoured by the Vice President of Uganda Edward Ssekandi who came with several ministers and members of parliament and other delegates from the Dioceses of Lira, Tororo, Jinja, Nebbi, Kotido and Moroto.
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By Isaac Ojok, St. Mary’s National Major Seminary, Ggaba
