By KT Reporter
After 56 years of administration and missionary service, the Comboni Missionaries have officially handed over Alenga Catholic Parish to the Lira Diocese. The missionaries first arrived in Alenga in 1936 and later expanded their pastoral work in 1979 by opening Apac Parish and Ayago Sub Parish.
Their work focused on evangelization, education, and healthcare through the construction of schools and health facilities within the community. Sanctus Lino Wanok presided over a special mass during which the parish buildings, documentation, Bible, keys, rosary, and the Christian community were symbolically handed over to the diocese.
Bishop Wanok commended the missionaries for their contribution to the growth of Christianity and development in the area, noting that their efforts helped establish schools, health facilities, and strong faith communities.
“I invite you now, therefore, let us stand in gratitude for the many ways they have watered this parish and helped this community grow,” the bishop said. In his homily, Bishop Wanok challenged Christians and the laity to take greater responsibility in supporting the church through development initiatives.
He urged them to strengthen parish councils, teach catechism, and support vulnerable members of the community, continuing the work started by the missionaries.
He also warned the community against clinging too strongly to the past, saying a grateful heart helps preserve the memory of good works.
Anthony Kibira, leader of the Comboni Missionaries in Uganda, said the handover comes after the congregation fulfilled most of its mission in the parish. “We are always convinced that where the gospel is planted, it transforms the hearts,” he said. Kibira thanked the leadership of the diocese and the Christian community of Alenga for their support throughout the years.
He added that the missionaries would continue their evangelization work in other areas, noting that Alenga also became a source of vocations for the congregation.
Meanwhile, Michael Ogussu, the outgoing parish priest, urged the community to make good use of the resources left behind by the missionaries, especially in promoting education and evangelization. He called on Christians in Alenga and across the Lango sub-region to continue supporting missionary work even after the departure of the congregation.
During the ceremony, Bishop Wanok appointed Aaron Ojok as the new parish priest who will take over the leadership of Alenga Parish. Community leaders also expressed gratitude to the missionaries. Paska Ojok, the parish women’s leader, pledged continued support to the diocesan priests who will now run the parish without relying on missionary donations.
Richard Agnes Abongo, chairperson of the Christian community, also praised the missionaries for strengthening faith, hope, and charitable work in the parish during their decades of service.
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