UGANDA: Joy and Jubilation as More Parishes and Sub Parishes are Erected in Lira Diocese
Fr Isaac Ojok
The decision to have more parishes erected in Uganda’s Lira Diocese has brought excitement and jubilation among the Christians within and in the Diaspora.
The idea of opening more parishes under the leadership of the Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok the bishop of Lira Diocese is meant to bring the Sacraments closer to the people of God in their localities.
Within the space of two years, five more parishes of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish Abuli in Kwania district, St Peter Clever Ober in Lira city, St Mary’s Catholic Parish Loro in Oyam district and St Luke the Evangelist Catholic Parish Aputi in Amolatar district, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Anyeke parish on 8th September 2023 have respectively been erected with their territorial demarcation to bring services nearer to the people of God.
Prior to the erection of these parishes, two other parishes of St Joseph’s Catholic parish Agweng and Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Parish Orum in Lira and Otuke districts were officially erected in 2018. This development brings to total 27 parishes in Lira Diocese with more sub parishes being nurtured to become parishes in the future.
Within Lira city alone, three sub parishes of St Peter Anai, St Leo the Great Boroboro, and St Philip Neri Erute respectively are being prepared to become parishes in future. Other sub parishes are; Adyeda All Saints Sub Parish to be erected out of Bala Catholic Parish, Gomi Sub parish, Onek Gwok-Ngai sub parish, Abakuli sub parish in Dokolo, Etam sub parish in Amolatar, St Francis of Assisi sub parish Ayago being erected out of Alenga Catholic parish among others in that order.
Erecting sub-parishes like the above has generated more joy and excitement among the Christians in Lira diocese.
Recently at St Francis of Assisi Sub-parish Ayago in Apac district, the Christian community could not hide their joy on the occasion of the official reception of their priest Rev Fr Denis Okello Odyek the new Administrator of Ayago sub parish being assisted by Rev Deacon Moses Opio.
On 2nd September 2023 at the official opening of Ayago sub parish, Christians who included the local, civil and political leaders and the cultural leaders expressed their gratitude to the bishop of Lira diocese for his visionary leadership that is making it possible to have more parishes erected to facilitate the spiritual welfare of the people of God.
Mr Jovino Akaki Ayumu, the former Minister of State for Tourism Wild Life and Antiquity is the vice chairperson Sub-parish pastoral council Ayago disclosed that as Christians they have received shepherds with joy and pledged to work in collaboration to develop and sustain the sub parish.
From Lira city to Ayago sub parish in the extreme South west direction via Apac Municipality, it takes about approximately 2hrs 14 minutes to cover 91.6kms. From the statistical point of view, there are 35 chapels, spread within 7 Zones under Ayago sub parish.
