UGANDA: Lira Diocese Commissions Its Renovated Cathedral, Uganda Martyrs
Isaac Ojok
The long-awaited completion of the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral renovation work in Lira Diocese was on 19th October 2020 successfully commissioned in a Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Grace John Baptist Odama, the Archbishop of Gulu.
During the homily, Archbishop Odama said the celebration to bless and re-open the Cathedral Church was also an occasion of the anniversary of the Golden Jubilee of Lira diocese that is under the patronage and watchful care of the Holy Martyrs of Uganda.
Most Rev. Odama said the refurbished Cathedral is a blessing and should be the source of unity among the Christians in Lira diocese.
He particularly thanked the people who worked in unity, playing different roles in ensuring that the renovation comes to a successful completion.
The prelate challenged the congregation to remain committed to repent and put the Gospel in practice in a bid to effectively transform the society.
He spoke particularly on the current political situation in the country where different political activities are marred with violence, urging that it is time for politicians to ensure peace and stability in the nation.
During the same celebration, the Archbishop was grateful to the ordinary of the diocese, Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok, the priests and Religious for exhibiting the spirit of unity in Lira Diocese despite the past challenges.
He implored the Christians to remain in love and solidarity while urging them to take Church as sign of growth of their living faith.
Meanwhile, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop expressed his joy upon the successful completion of the work on the Cathedral and commended the contributions of various groups that facilitated the speedy progress and completion of the first phase of the renovation.
He particularly cited the contribution of a team of engineers and architects for their selfless work on the Cathedral including all those who gave monetary support towards the same work.
The Bishop also recognized the contribution of his predecessors Bishop Emeritus Giuseppe Franzelli MCCJ whom he said, laid firm foundation of Christian faith in Lira diocese and asked Christians to continue praying for those who have died for the peaceful repose of their souls in heavenly Kingdom.
In a special way, Bishop Wanok lauded the support of 400 million shillings (US$107,134) at the initial start of the renovation work by the President of the Republic of Uganda His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Other contributions made according to the Bishop were garnered from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), including the Comboni Missionaries that gave their contributions of US$50,000 and €50,000 respectively.
After a successful completion of the first phase of the work, the Bishop further announced that soon the second phase of the work is going to be launched mainly for the expansion and renovation of the Bishop’s residence and the parking yard, noting that a team of engineers and architects have expressed readiness to kick start the work expected to run for the next one year.
Engineer Moses Okwel who spoke on behalf of the technical team that took part in the renovation work said they were motivated to work as a way of giving back to God without getting any pay in return.
The complete renovation of the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral Church with the seat capacity of 1,200 Christians took 1.1 Billion Uganda Shillings (US$ 294,620.15), according to Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok in his address shortly after the Eucharistic celebrations.
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