UGANDA: Catholics of Nebbi Diocese Celebrates as Rev. Raphael Wokorach is Ordained as Their New Shepherd
Bishop Wokorch p'Mony Wokorach of Nebbi Diocese Uganda_ Credit New People
Isaac Ojok
Rev. Raphael p’Mony Wokorach MCCJ was consecrated and installed as new bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Uganda, in a celebration marked by strict observance of Covid19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Although many Christians were restricted from physically attending the consecration on 14th August 2021, they could not hide their excitements upon warmly receiving a new shepherd in the person of Rt. Rev. Raphael p’Mony Wokorach the fourth Bishop of Nebbi Catholic diocese.
The ordination and installation of the fourth prelate of the Diocese after the transfer of Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok to Lira Diocese took place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Nebbi with Archbishop John Baptist Odama of Gulu Archdiocese as the Principal Consecrator, flanked by the Rt. Rev. Santus Lino Wanok of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev Sabino Ocan Odoki of Arua Diocese and Bishop Emeritus of Lira Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli as co-consecrators.
Archbishop Odama in his message implored the new Bishop to continue preaching the word of God in both good and difficult times and to work closely with the Christians, particularly with the priests and deacons who are his co-workers.
He further urged the new Bishop to shepherd the poor, the weak, immigrants and all those who are in dire need at the time when they need comfort and consolation.
The Archbishop further advised the Bishop Wokorach that his new title is not a position of honour but a position of service to the people of God.
The Archbishop then challenged the priests and other pastoral agents to remain united with the new bishop in a move to succeed in his pastoral ministry in Nebbi Catholic diocese.
Meanwhile, in a message delivered on his behalf by the State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation Hon Grace Freedom Kweyocwiny, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President of the Republic of Uganda who was expected to grace the occasion as the guest of honour called on the religious leaders and cultural institutions to continue preaching the gospel of peaceful co-existence amongst the people in a move for the population to reject all forms of insecurity.
The president in his message further appealed to religious leaders to embark on mobilizing people to have positive response to Covid-19 vaccination drive geared towards mitigating Corona virus infections among the population.
The Minister in her speech also announced the Presidential donation of a brand-new car to the Bishop that will help the Bishop in dispensing his pastoral ministry among the flock in Nebbi Catholic diocese.
On March 31st 2021, Pope Francis appointed Rev. Fr. Raphael p’Mony Wokorach, a Comboni missionary as the new Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese since the position became vacant following the transfer of Rt. Rev. Santus Lino Wanok, who had served as the third Bishop of Nebbi from 8th February 2011 until 23rd November 2018.
Rev. Fr. Raphael p’Mony Wokorach was born on 21st January, 1961, in Arua district and was ordained priest on 25th September 1993 at Wadela Catholic Parish.
During the absence of a substantive Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese from 2018 to 2021, Monsignor Emmanuel Odaga served as the Diocesan Administrator.
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