Arua Diocese Hosts 18th Prayer Peace Week for Unity and Reconciliation
The Diocese of Arua successfully hosted the 18th GANAL Provincial Prayer Peace Week at St. Charles Lwanga College in Koboko from January 20 to 24, 2025. Held under the theme, "Forgive Us Our Trespasses, Grant Us Peace," the annual event brought together pilgrims from Catholic dioceses within the Gulu Ecclesiastical Province, including Arua, Lira, Nebbi, Kotido, and Gulu, alongside participants from neighboring South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Present were, Bishops of the GANAL province, clergy , goverment leaders, cultural leaders and pilgrims from all over the Uganda.
The Provincial Prayer Peace Week was founded in 2005 by Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama of Gulu Archdiocese to unite diverse communities across the region in the spirit of reconciliation and harmony.
This year's host, Rt.Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki of Arua Diocese, called on pilgrims to become instruments of peace and reconciliation within their families, communities, and the nation.
He urged Ugandans to actionably foster harmony by embracing forgiveness, dialogue, and addressing social injustices within their communities. He also encouraged collaboration between faith-based organizations, local leaders, and government institutions to create sustainable solutions for peace and development.
Bishop Sabino highlighted the pressing need to address mental health issues and substance abuse, describing them as obstacles to peace. He bishop noted that many individuals unknowingly suffer from mental disorders, which manifest as physical and verbal aggression and domestic violence.
The Bishop underscored Arua Diocese's critical role as a sanctuary for over one million refugees from South Sudan and DRC emphasizing the need for collective sacrifice and effort to foster support to the refugees.
And also praised the diocese's initiatives, such as establishing Radio Pacis in Moyo to amplify refugee voices and providing healthcare and educational services. Additionally, he highlighted the region's challenges, including poor nutrition leading to mentally stunted children, and appealed for government intervention to address malnutrition in the West Nile Region of Uganda.
Addressing the devastating impacts of climate change, Bishop Sabino urged the adoption of conservation measures, noting that a conducive environment is essential for sustaining peace.
He called on to the Christians to express gratitude for the prevailing peace in Uganda while recognizing that true peace extends beyond the mere absence of war. Drawing from the Gospel. Bishop encouraged pilgrims to emulate Christ's example by making sacrifices and committing to acts of service that promote peace and reconciliation in their communities.
Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese' and Archbishop Emeritus witnesses the handover of the lit candle from Rt.Rev.Sabino Ocan Odoki of Arua Diocese to Rt.Rev.Sanctus Lino Wanok of Lira Diocese; a symbol of responsibility for hosting the next Prayer Peace week by Lira Catholic Diocese.
