The Catholic Diocese of Lira has ordained 11 deacons to the priesthood and eight seminarians to the diaconate, increasing the total number of priests serving in the diocese from 79 to 90.
The newly ordained priests are Fr. Dicken Opoo, Fr. David Onyango and Fr. Brian Obbo, who belong to the Diocese of Tororo but were ordained alongside the Lira candidates, as well as Fr. Jimmy Dila, Fr. Ambrose Adupa, Fr. Emmanuel Okello, Fr. Samson Odongo, Fr. Ceaser Opio, Fr. Lawrence Ojok, Fr. Ambrose Omara and Fr. Isaac Opio.
The new deacons are Rev. Morris Ogwang, Rev. Denis Hamson Obua, Rev. Ceaser Tyan, Rev. Ceaser Ajuk, Rev. Joseph Etot, Rev. Steven Ocen, Rev. Fredrick Onyango and Rev. Christopher Ogwal.
The ordination was held during a colourful ceremony at the Lira Cathedral Ordination Grounds and was presided over by the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok.
In his homily, Bishop Wanok urged the newly ordained clergy to remain committed to proclaiming the Gospel and cautioned them against the temptations of corruption, material wealth and worldly pursuits.
The bishop also announced the immediate deployment of all the newly ordained priests and deacons, reminding them that their vocation is one of service rather than comfort.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees and Erute South Member of Parliament, Sam Engola, congratulated the newly ordained clergy, describing their ordination as a reflection of sacrifice, perseverance and unwavering faith. He encouraged them to remain humble and faithful in their ministry.
The Diocese of Lira was carved out of the Diocese of Gulu and officially established on July 12, 1968. It serves the entire Lango sub-region, comprising the districts of Lira, Apac, Kwania, Oyam, Dokolo, Amolatar, Kole, Alebtong and Otuke, as well as Lira City-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
