UGANDA: Bishop Wanok Urges the Public to Join Efforts in Fighting Corruption
Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok
Fr Isaac Ojok
The bishop of Lira Diocese in Northern Uganda Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok has implored the public to join efforts in the fight against corruption in the society.
The bishop made appeal on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Lira Diocese that was held on 15th July 2023 at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral Ordination ground in Lira city under the theme; “Participation, Communion and Mission”.
The bishop said celebrating 55 years of existence as a diocese is a sign of maturity in faith although amidst the overwhelming cases of corruption in the society, saying it is a moment for all to wake up and change their mind set and life style.
According to Bishop Wanok, corruption in the current world is becoming a setback to human progress and is destroying the society and its values.
Bishop Wanok who doubles as vice chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference also cited the misuse of drugs and other substances that are rampant in the society noting that the fight against such acts must begin from the family because the family is first and the center of formation and learning for the youth.
He further went on to note that we are in the world being deformed by sins, giving example of homosexuality, the sin of the world that has attacked human sexuality and that it is timely for humanity to ask forgiveness from God.
Similarly, the bishop noted that corruption and drug abuse has deeply entered homes the reason why many families are breaking down with its adverse effects on children falling out of school among other negative effects.
Regarding celebration of diocesan anniversary, he said he is grateful to his predecessors for the firm foundation laid in building and nurturing the faith among the people of God in Lira diocese.
“Today we are thanking God for the gift of the late Bishop Ceaser Asili, the first bishop of this diocese who stood his ground to represent the Good Shepherd while collaborating with the Comboni missionaries who propagated the faith among the people in this area”, the bishop said during the homily.
He further acknowledged that the work done by the late bishop Ceaser Asili, the first bishop gave birth to the Congregations of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (MSMMC) and Missionaries of Jesus the Divine Master who are now serving in different dioceses within and outside the country.
On the occasion of the diocesan day, the bishop mentioned that we remember with joy all those who dedicated their lives in proclaiming the word of God especially the priests, religious nuns, brothers and the lay catechists for the good work they were able to accomplish.
He particularly acknowledged the contributions made by the late Bishop Joseph Oyanga (RIP) the second bishop of Lira Diocese who shepherded the diocese at the very difficult moment when the region was faced with insurgency of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels-LRA and remained steadfast to the mission and pastoral care of the people of God entrusted to him.
The prelate also commended Rt Rev Joseph Franzelli, the third bishop of Lira Diocese and now bishop Emeritus for the pastoral care he was able to administer during his tenure as the ordinary of the diocese and that it is from that foundation which the people must unite to ensure holistic formation and growth of the people in Lira diocese.
Lira Diocese was founded on 12th July in 1968 and was dedicated under the watchful care and patronage of the holy martyrs of Uganda.
In his homily to the congregation, the bishop said the diocese that was founded and dedicated to the Holy Martyrs of Uganda reminds us of the faithfulness of the martyrs to witness to the truth and that it is a challenge for each of us to emulate the martyrs of Uganda by witnessing to the gospel truth.
On the occasion of the celebration of 55th Anniversary, the bishop was flanked by the Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli, the clergy, religious men and women, Christians from the parishes in the diocese, civil authorities, political and cultural leaders including other dignitaries.
Also on the same day, Christians were able to stand in solidarity with their bishop when they collected resources to be used in construction of the bishop’s house which is located in Lira city.
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