Lira Diocese Prepares for Historic Ordination Ceremony Celebrating New Vocations
The Catholic community of Lira Diocese is on the cusp of a momentous occasion as Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok prepares to ordain a new cohort of dedicated ministers on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The solemn event, scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m., will unfold at the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral grounds, with the celebration led the Aloi Deanery.
This landmark liturgy will witness the ordination of two promising deacons, George Olwanda Ochieng and Ray Atula, who will take their vows as priests—committing themselves anew to shepherding their communities through the sacraments and the Word. Alongside them, ten seminarians will be ordained to the diaconate, including the spirited young men David Onyango and Brian Obbo, members of the vibrant congregation known as the Sons of St. Pius of Pietrelcina (SSPP – Sons of Mercy).
Bishop Wanok emphasized that these ordinations symbolize more than individual achievement; they echo the resilience and vibrancy of the Catholic faith across Northern Uganda and the broader African continent. He reminded the faithful that the call to serve is rooted in love and humility, urging new clergy to lead with mercy, faithfulness, and compassion.
The journey of these candidates—particularly Onyango and Obbo—embodies unwavering perseverance and dedication. As members of the SSPP, they exemplify the congregation’s core values of mercy, service, and solidarity with the marginalized. Their stories reflect the broader narrative of Africa’s youthful and hopeful vocations, standing as a testament to the continent’s spiritual renewal.
This ordination in Lira resonates within a global context where Africa continues to defy the declining trends seen elsewhere. Recent Vatican data reveals nearly 34,000 seminarians are currently in formation across the continent, and the Catholic population has surged from 176 million to over 280 million in just over a decade—highlighting Africa’s vital role in shaping the future of the Church.
For Lira Diocese, the ordination of these 12 young men is more than a local milestone—it’s a beacon of hope and a reflection of Africa’s growing spiritual vitality. The Diocese joins the universal Church in gratitude, welcoming a new wave of priests and deacons committed to serving the faithful within Lango and beyond, carrying the torch of faith into the future.