Arua Diocese Ordains 9 Priests and 7 Deacons, Calls Clergy to Serve with Humility and Courage
Ediofe, Arua - August 1, 2026
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arua, Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, today ordained nine deacons
to the priesthood and seven seminarians to the diaconate during a joyous Eucharistic celebration
attended by hundreds of faithful, priests, religious, family members, political and cultural leaders from across the diocese and Uganda.
In his homily, Bishop Odoki thanked God for blessing the Diocese of Arua with a new generation of
servants called to proclaim the Gospel. He reminded the newly ordained that they are called to become
true representatives of Jesus Christ, embracing both the joys and challenges of priestly ministry without
compromising the teachings of Christ.
"Be in the likeness of Jesus Christ. Do not compromise His teachings. Accept both the good times and the
difficult moments of ministry, just as Christ remained faithful in His mission," the Bishop said.
The Bishop shared reflections from his recent participation in the 21st Plenary Assembly of the Association
of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), which concluded on 26 July 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
He explained that the bishops of Eastern Africa resolved to make young people the Church's pastoral priority
for the next four years, while urging political leaders across the region to end the exploitation of
young people and create an environment that promotes their dignity, participation, and development.
Among the key resolutions of the assembly were: Strengthening youth participation in both Church and
civic life. Establishing and reinforcing youth desks across the region. Forming Catholic digital
missionaries to evangelize in the digital age. Promoting education, mentorship, entrepreneurship,
and skills development. Strengthening safeguarding policies and accountability in youth ministry.
Bishop Odoki emphasized that young people must be involved at every level of evangelization.
"Our meeting focused on the youth because they are the future of the Church. Many of you newly ordained are
yourselves young priests. Your ministry among young people will be very important."
He encouraged the newly ordained to embrace digital evangelization and dedicate themselves to youth
apostolate, noting that the energy and talents of young people should be directed toward spreading
the Gospel rather than being wasted.
Addressing both the new priests and deacons, Bishop Sabino reminded them that ordination is
the fulfillment of a vocation to which they freely responded.
"When the Vocations Director asked who desired to become priests and deacons, you said yes.
Today that 'yes' becomes a lifelong responsibility."
He stressed that priesthood is a life of service.
"Our lives as clergy are no longer our own. Formation has prepared you; now it is time to live what you have learned""
The Bishop congratulated the newly ordained and wished them fruitful and faithful ministries.
Reflecting on the Second Reading from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, Bishop Odoki
challenged the clergy to imitate St. Paul's humility and missionary zeal
He reminded them that preaching the Gospel is an obligation rather than a personal choice.
"A priest without humility is not serving God. Wherever you go, carry the Bible. A priest should
always be equipped with the instruments of his ministry - the Bible, the Cross, and the holy oils
- just as a farmer goes to the field with the necessary tools."
The Bishop cautioned against allowing material gifts to compromise the proclamation of truth.
"St. Paul identified himself with the weak in order to lift them up. Gifts should never silence a priest from speaking the truth.
Sometimes gifts can make us neglect the truth and the poor."
He urged the clergy to embrace servant leadership by walking closely with the people rather than limiting themselves to
administering the sacraments.
"In our time, people often say we must be politically correct. But truth remains truth. We must be courageous enough to call wrong what is wrong."
Drawing from the First Reading about Moses appointing leaders to assist him, Bishop Odoki likened his own ministry to that of Moses.
"Arua Diocese is one of the largest dioceses in Uganda, with about 2.6 million Catholics. Today I feel like Moses receiving helpers.
I am the happiest man to welcome these new servants of God."
He noted that the Diocese of Arua currently has 69 parishes and sub-parishes, with a Catholic population of over 2.6 Million Catholics.
"We should never fear a growing population. Moses never told people to stop having children. Instead, he thanked God for the many people entrusted to him."
The Bishop also expressed concern over modern trends that discourage large families.
"The fruit of love is children. Just as trees bear fruit, families should joyfully welcome children.
Many countries are now struggling because they can no longer replace their populations."
He encouraged parents to provide children with strong Christian and human formation from early childhood.
"A child must grow up knowing they belong to a loving and faith-filled environment."
Reflecting on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Bishop Odoki reminded the newly ordained that Jesus preached, healed,
and showed compassion wherever He went.
"Never leave a place without proclaiming the Good News."
He explained that healing extends beyond physical illness to emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing.
"Some people leave others with headaches after visiting them. Instead, be someone whose presence brings peace and hope."
The Bishop cautioned priests against pretending to possess medical expertise.
"Pray for the sick, but also encourage them to seek medical treatment. Let doctors do their work."
He further challenged the clergy to become compassionate shepherds.
"Our society is wounded by harassment, abductions, torture, domestic violence, neglect of children, and many
young people who have lost hope. Priests must become the voice of the voiceless and bring hope to those who are suffering."
Bishop Odoki thanked the many priests, religious, family members, and faithful who attended the ordination, describing their presence as
a sign of love and encouragement for the newly ordained clergy.
He reminded the new priests that the faithful gathered around them today would remain witnesses throughout their priestly lives.
"When you are tempted to give up, remember those who witnessed your ordination today."
The Bishop also appealed to Christians to continue supporting their priests spiritually and materially.
"You have accepted these ordinands; now continue to support them. Priests depend on the generosity and support of the
faithful as they dedicate their lives to serving God's people."
