UGANDA: Bishop Wanok Urges Minor Seminarians to Listen to God’s Voice on Pilgrimage of Hope
Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok in a group photo with Minor Seminarians of St Joseph's Seminary Aboke, Lira diocese
Isaac Ojok
The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has encouraged the seminarians of St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary Aboke to listen attentively to the voice of God, regardless of age, as this journey is a pilgrimage of hope.
His message came during the celebration of St. Joseph’s feast day at the seminary. Bishop Wanok highlighted that St. Joseph’s Seminary is modeled after the Holy Family, emphasizing that God has entrusted the Church with a fundamental mission, which is at the heart of the seminary.
He urged all seminarians to embrace this mission, stressing that even when circumstances seem unclear, they should maintain faith in God, for everything is achievable. He drew inspiration from Abraham, whose unwavering faith in God led to him becoming the father of nations, even in his old age.
The bishop also urged the seminarians to engage in spiritual conversations to avoid challenges that could divert them from their calling. He reminded them that their role as future fathers to nations cannot be assumed without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Drawing from the example of Mary and Joseph, he stressed the importance of remaining steadfast and protecting their sexuality, as this is where God’s miracles manifest. He cautioned the seminarians that compromising their integrity should lead them to reconsider their path to the priesthood, as it is about bringing new life into the world
The Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary Aboke, Rev Fr. Godfrey Ogwang expressed gratitude to the bishop for taking the time to celebrate St. Joseph’s feast day with the seminarians, noting that it provides them with strength and encouragement. He also acknowledged the St. Joseph’s Old Boys Association Aboke for their dedicated efforts in nurturing young boys in seminary life. He recalled that St. Joseph’s Seminary has produced many priests and made significant contributions to the diocese since its inception in 1962 when Lira was still part of the Gulu Diocese.
Mary Azore, Vice-Chairperson and Board Member of the Seminary thanked the administration for the significant improvements in academics and congratulated all the seminarians. She urged the bishop to consider establishing a junior seminary in the future to guide younger students before they enter minor and major seminaries.
Dr. Okot Alex, Director of Uganda Martyrs University Ngetta Campus, introduced the old boys of Aboke Seminary and expressed appreciation for the management’s efforts in forming young men who will one day become priests. He noted that each old boy carries something special from Aboke Seminary, which must be sought individually, not simply given.
St. Joseph’s Seminary was established in 1962 when Lira was still part of the Gulu Diocese. It became a separate ecclesiastical territory on July 12, 1968.
