Bishop Sabino Calls for Encouragement and Hopeful Christian Living - Palorinya Refugee Settlement
His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki confirmed over 200 faithful at Palorinya Refugee Settlement, calling them to a life of encouragement, unity,
and uplifting Christian witness rooted in the Holy Spirit.
UGANDA - OBONGI - Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki today administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to over 200 candidates at St. Bakhita Catholic
Chapel in Keguru Village, Palorinya Refugee Settlement, Obongi District, during his pastoral visit.
He described the occasion as a spirit-filled moment, noting that Palorinya is the first refugee settlement to receive
a message from the Holy Father, Pope Leo, following the Ugandan bishops' visit to Rome, and expressing hope for a
future papal visit to Uganda and Arua, particularly the refugee settlements.
The bishop called on the faithful to "be a source of encouragement to one another," urging peaceful
Christian living rooted in positive and uplifting speech. Drawing from the Acts of the Apostles,
he highlighted how the Holy Spirit transformed the apostles from fear to courage. He stressed that
Confirmation is a real transformation, not just a ritual, and challenged the faithful to think before
speaking: "Will this encourage or discourage?"
He encouraged the faithful to focus on blessings rather than sorrows, pointing to the presence of Church workers,
NGOs, government support, and their unity as signs of God's care. He assured them of continued diocesan support and
thanked key partners serving the community.
Referencing St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, he reminded them that all the baptized and confirmed are
missionaries, each with unique gifts to serve the common good. He urged them to discover and use their gifts
without complaint or comparison, and to live out courage and wisdom through the Holy Spirit.
He prayed for peace in South Sudan and Uganda and called for unity and encouragement within the refugee community.
He reassured them of belonging within the diocese and encouraged them to remain hopeful, prayerful, and guided by the Holy Spirit.
