UGANDA: Bishop of Lira Diocese to Join Ad Limina Visit in Rome
Fr. Isaac Ojok
The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, is set to travel to Rome, Vatican City, to participate in the traditional Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, a significant moment in the life of the Catholic Church.
The phrase Ad Limina Apostolorum, meaning “to the thresholds of the Apostles,” refers to the pilgrimage that bishops from around the world make to pray at the tombs of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and to meet the Holy Father, Pope Francis, the successor of Saint Peter.
In an interview with AMECEA correspondent before he could leave his diocese, Bishop Wanok said, together with other bishops from Uganda, he will represent the entire faithful of Lira Diocese, including priests, religious men and women, catechists, families, youth, and all members of the Church in the Lango Sub-region and across Uganda.
The bishop said, the pilgrimage that starts on Sunday 15th March, 2026 with arrival in the Vatican City is most likely to take approximately two weeks.
Prayer at the Tombs of the Apostles
In his pastoral letter issued today, Bishop Wanok emphasized that prayer will be at the heart of the pilgrimage. At the tombs of the Apostles, he will celebrate Holy Mass and pray for the faithful entrusted to his pastoral care. He noted that he will present before the Lord the families of the diocese, their hopes and struggles, and the faith that continues to sustain the local Church. Special prayers will also be offered for peace, unity, and growth in holiness within the Diocese.
Reflection and Renewal
The visit also offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal. It allows a bishop to deepen his responsibility as shepherd of God’s people and to return strengthened in his service to the faithful. Although Bishop Wanok will travel physically to Vatican City, he emphasized that he carries the entire Diocese spiritually with him through the prayers, faith, and witness of its people.
He has invited all the faithful to accompany this pilgrimage with their prayers, asking God to guide the Church, strengthen unity, and bless the mission entrusted to the Diocese. The Bishop also entrusted the journey to the intercession of Saint Peter, Saint Paul the Apostle, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying that their prayers may strengthen the faith of the people and accompany families throughout the Lango Sub-region and the whole of Uganda.
Strengthening Communion with the Universal Church
The Ad Limina visit is also a moment of deep communion with the universal Church. Bishop Wanok will meet with the Holy Father to share about the pastoral life of the Diocese of Lira — its achievements, challenges, and ongoing work of evangelization. Through these encounters, the local Church remains closely united with the global mission of the Catholic Church.
The Uganda Episcopal Conference, comprising all Catholic bishops in Uganda, will make this collective journey to Rome, underscoring their unity and strengthening their bond with the Pope. Bishop Wanok has encouraged all believers to remain united in prayer during this important moment for the Church.
End
