UGANDA: Gulu Archdiocese Celebrates Blessed Daudi Okello, Jildo Irwa
Bishops, Priests and other civil leaders in group photos after the Mass at Paimol Martyrs shrine
Fr Isaac Ojok
A grand celebration led by Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama was held on Monday, October 20, at Paimol, Agago District, in the Archdiocese of Gulu, Uganda, to mark the Solemnity of the Blessed Martyrs Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa.
The Eucharistic celebration drew a large congregation of the faithful, clergy, Religious, and pilgrims who came to honour the memory of the two youthful martyrs of Paimol. In attendance were bishops from Gulu Ecclesiastical Province, including Most Rev. Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, MCCJ, of Gulu Archdiocese; Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok of Lira Diocese; Rt. Rev. Sabino Ochan Odoki of Arua Diocese; Rt. Rev. Constantine Rupiny of Nebbi Catholic Diocese; Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli, Bishop Emeritus of Lira Diocese; and Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu of Kotido Diocese.
In his welcoming remarks, Archbishop Odama expressed his joy and gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the feast together with such a great assembly of the faithful.
He recounted the events that led to the martyrdom of Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa in Paimol in October 1918 and narrated how the two young catechists, despite threats and violence, courageously stood firm in their faith, preferring death to renouncing Christ. “Their martyrdom,” he said, “made them giants in the faith.”
joyfully animating the Liturgiccal
celebration at Paimol Shrine
“Brothers and sisters, do we still have the faith like Jildo and Daudi? He posed. “Jildo accepted the promise of eternal life. Their martyrdom leads us to hope; the hope that Jesus gives us, a hope that does not disappoint.”
The Archbishop reflected on the endurance and perseverance of the two martyrs, saying their courage in the face of pain and suffering teaches that our own struggles are not in vain. Drawing a parallel with the story of the seven brothers and their mother in the Scriptures, he said the story of Daudi and Jildo is a call to perseverance and holiness for all.
He emphasized several lessons from the lives of the two martyrs, including the dignity and power of the laity, who are the majority in the Church and the primary evangelizers with the mission to witness to Christ.
Another lesson focused on the value of the youth. Since Daudi and Jildo were young men who gave themselves wholeheartedly to the mission the Prelate challenged, today’s youth are called to use their energy, zeal, and talents for evangelization and not be afraid to witness their faith.
Focusing on staying firm in faith amid challenges, Archbishop Emeritus said, “Do not let poverty, violence, or hardship drive you away from the Church. Instead, be steadfast in your faith in God.”
The power of friendship in mission was another lesson in which he explained that Jildo and Daudi supported one another in evangelization; hence, their way of life should encourage all Christians to strengthen one another in faith and across the various groups in the Church.
The Archbishop further emphasized the commitment to prayer and mission, reminding the faithful that worship is central to it. He gave the example of Jesus, who always prayed before every major decision.
Turning to his Priestly Golden Jubilee, Archbishop Odama reflected on his 50 years of priestly service, and 25 years as bishop during which he ministered to over two million people in the Archdiocese of Gulu. He offered the daily sacrifice of the Mass for their transformation, gave hope to the downcast, and strengthened the discouraged.
He encouraged married couples to take the Sacrament of Matrimony seriously and use it to serve one another. He also called on the youth to embrace marriage as a vocation and live it faithfully.
The Archbishop shared how prayer and devotion to the Holy Eucharist sustained him through difficult years, particularly during the insurgency in Gulu and the Acholi sub-region.
He invited the congregation to join him in thanking God for the gift of life, health, and love that have sustained him throughout his ministry. He prayed for all families, priests, and religious preparing to celebrate their jubilees, and encouraged young people to discern their vocations —whether to the priesthood, religious life, or marriage —and to follow God’s call with courage.
He also called upon the faithful to continue praying for the canonization of the Blessed Martyrs Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, as well as Blessed Dr. Giuseppe Ambrosoli, whose lives remain shining examples of faith, charity, and service.
Addressing politicians, Archbishop Odama appealed to them to be people of peace and integrity: “Avoid blackmail, do not corrupt voters, and serve the people with honesty and love.” He reminded them that Uganda needs peace above all else.
In conclusion, the Archbishop humbly asked the people’s forgiveness for any shortcomings during his ministry, saying, “I am not a saint, but I have forgiven all who wronged me.”
The celebration ended with joyful hymns and thanksgiving, as pilgrims honored the memory of Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, whose heroic witness continues to inspire faith, courage, and hope in Uganda and beyond.
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