UGANDA: Excitement and Joy in Arua Diocese After the Visit of Papal Nuncio
Fr Isaac Ojok
The Christian community of Arua Diocese in Uganda are excited following the recent visit of the Papal Nuncio His Excellency Luigi Bianco to the diocese.
The visit of the Nuncio to Arua Diocese has left a significant impact in the diocese following his messages on peace, reconciliation and unity propagated in the lives of the laity, the priests and the religious.
Rt. Rev Sabino Ochan Odoki the bishop of Arua Diocese while sharing with AMECEA correspondent noted with joy that the visit of the Papal Nuncio has cemented the bond of unity, raised hope after his encounter with the laity, the priests and the religious serving in Arua diocese.
Bishop Odoki noted that the first phase of the visit to Arua started on 18th to 21st March 2023 where he visited the Monastery at Ediofe, Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Comboni Sisters, and Radio Pacis among other places.
On the Fourth Sunday of Lent which happened to be on 19th March 2023, Bishop Sabino said the Papal Nuncio presided over the Holy Mass at Ediofe Cathedral with the representatives of the laity from different 60 parishes under Arua Diocese, an occasion where the Papal Nuncio disseminated the message of peace and unity to the Christians of Arua diocese, urging them to work together in unity with the clergy.
Monday 20th March 2023, the Bishop further informed AMECEA correspondent that the Papal Nuncio met the priests, and the religious at Lodonga Minor Basilica and concluded with the Holy Mass and there, he reiterated his central message of peace and unity in the local church and unity between local churches and the universal church.
After concluding meeting with the priests and religious, the Papal Nuncio in the company and guidance of the host bishop proceeded to Adjumani parish in Adjumani district via Moyo where he was met by thousands of Christians gathered along the route waiting to receive apostolic blessings.
While in Adjumani, the Papal Nuncio visited the South Sudanese refugees living in the Camp where he celebrated the Holy Mass with them and in his message, he encouraged them and prayed for true peace to prevail among them even when they are far away from their home country South Sudan.
In the meeting with the refugees, the Papal Nuncio was joined in the Holy Mass by the officials from the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda led the Mr. Titus Jogo and his team who accorded hospitality to the Nuncio.
According to Bishop Odoki, the Papal Nuncio was grateful to the Christians of Arua diocese for the hospitality, unity, cooperation and great enthusiasm from the people exhibited during his visit to Arua diocese.
At the climax of his visit, the Papal Nuncio proceeded to Gulu Archdiocese where he received heroic welcome from the Christian community, civil and political leaders including the cultural leaders in the region.
While in Gulu Archdiocese, on the first day of his arrival, he visited Lacor Minor Seminary, St Mary’s Hospital Lacor, Mother house of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu (LSMIG) respectively. On the second day of his visit to Gulu Arch diocese, the Papal Nuncio visited Kitgum Vicariate, the Martyrs shrine where blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa were killed on account of their faith among other designated places.
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