KENYA: “We Remain Very Close to You,” Apostles of Jesus to New Bishop-Elect at Thanksgiving Mass
Bishop-elect of Nebbi Catholic diocese, Uganda Msgr. Raphael p'Mony Wokorach Credit: AMECEA Online
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
At a thanksgiving Mass hours after the public announcement of the episcopal appointment of Monsignor Raphael p’Mony Wokorach on Wednesday, March 31, as the Local Ordinary of Uganda’s Nebbi Diocese, members of the missionary congregation of the Apostles of Jesus (AJ) have assured Bishop-elect their closeness and dedication to him in his new mission.
Msgr. Wokorach has been at the helm of the Pontifical Commissariat that was instituted in 2018 by the Holy See comprising of two assistants and a secretary to oversee the process of internal reforms and re-organization of the life of the AJ members and of the Institute.
In his homily during the thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration that was organized by members of AJ at their Generalate house in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, Fr. Avitus Kazi Siriwa said that the congregation of AJ is giving thanks to God “because of his surprises.”
“Ours is to thank God who is always at work… we want to pray and assure you that in the new mission which the Church has entrusted you with today, we remain very close to you,” Fr. Siriwa disclosed to the Bishop-elect.
According to Fr. Siriwa, the Bishop-elect who is a member of the of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) has “met all members of the Apostles of Jesus Institute more than any other Superior General who has ever served in the congregation.”
“You have become one of us and you know a lot from us, and that comes with the art of listening,” Fr. Siriwa said addressing Msgr. Wokorach and added, “You have been dedicated to your mission and responsibility to listen to everybody…may God accompany you.”
Speaking on behalf of the Commissariat, Sr. Jacinta Auma Opondo the Pontifical Assistant Commissary congratulated their colleague the Bishop-elect trusting that the Lord who has taken Msgr. Wokorach from their midst, will guide the remaining members of the Commissariat to accomplish their mission successfully.
“When I got this information about your appointment, I found the response in the words of Abraham, “The Lord will provide,” Sr. Jacinta a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Sr. Anna (FSSA) underscored.
“I believe that the Holy Spirit will continue journeying with us through our Mother Church and give us direction,” the Kenyan nun who has worked together with Very. Rev. Wokorach since 2018 when the Holy See through the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (CICLSAL) created the Commissariat expressed just after the Eucharistic celebration adding that, “When God knocks we can only say thank you to him.”
for Bishop-elect of Nebbi diocese, Uganda.
Credit: AMECEA Online
She further appreciated Msgr. Wokorach’s dedication and leadership style in the Commissariat, asking him to carry the same zeal to his new ministry as a Shepherd.
“As the Commissariat, we appreciate the wisdom that we actually saw in your leadership as the Pontifical Commissary. We appreciate your dedication, commitment and your positive attitude,” Sr. Jacinta said.
On his part the AJ regional superior for Kenya region Fr. Isaiah Ajiri appreciated the work Very Rev. Wokorach has done for members of the AJ congregation and encouraged him to keep on helping Christ carrying the cross as he serves God’s people.
“Thank you for accompanying us. We are very grateful and proud that God has chosen you to be the Shepherd of Nebbi Diocese when you were still serving among the Apostles of Jesus and not among the Comboni Missionaries,” Fr. Ajiri said and highlighted, “We thank you for bringing us to this stage we have reached and we ask you not to leave us but continue journeying with us.”
“The task is big and you are carrying that cross that Christ himself carried. You have carried it with us the AJ’s and you are going to continue carrying it, so ours is to pray and encourage you to take the cross with love as Jesus Christ himself did,” the Regional superior continued while addressing the Bishop-elect adding that, “we are sure you will manage the people of God in that region of Nebbi.”
“We can say without any fear of contradiction that you were one with us in mind and spirit and you have become part of the AJ community,” Fr. Edward Matella Mush, the Coordinator for mission and personnel shared while addressing dozens of congregants who attended the Wednesday thanksgiving Mass.
Fr. Matella who doubles as the Rector at the AJ Scholasticate acknowledged Msgr. Wokorach’s capability for his new mission saying, “We are sure that your great leadership, wisdom and guidance will accompany you in every step you undertake in your new ministry,”
Besides, he concluded, “We have the confidence that you will fulfill your ministry with the same dedication and commitment that has characterized your leadership in the capacity of the Pontifical Commissary for the Institute of the Apostles of Jesus.”
