Arua Diocese

Funeral Service Held for Late Rev. Fr. Denis Isa Iranya in Arua City

In a solemn gathering at the Generalate of the Missionaries of Jesus the Divine Master in Ewuata, Onzivu ward, Ewuata cell. Mourners in great number gathered to pay their last respect to the servant of God late Rev.Fr. Denis Isa Iranya who passed on; January 11th 2024 at Pioneer Hospital, where he was rushed for medical attention after collapsing during a Diocesan Parish Priests meeting at Christus Centre in Ediofe Cathedral, Arua city.

Rev. Fr. Denis, born on June 5, 1960, to Mr. Nazareno Guli Madraru and Ms. Cezira Tiyo, was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church on May 14, 1961, and confirmed on February 6, 1972. He served as the Rector of Holy Cross Pilgim Centre at Indriani. He also became the first Parish Priest of Indriani Parish. Fr.Denis departed while still serving on January 11, 2024.

Bishop Sabino, the main celebrant of the requiem mass, coveyed condolence messages from the Archbishop of Gulu, His Grace John Baptist Odama and Bishop Lino Wanok of Lira Diocese. Bishop Sabino extented his appreciation to Bishop Raphael of Nebbi for being present in person during the requiem mass, the family of Fr.Denis and all the Christians who attended the service.

He urged mourners to emulate the virtuous life of the late Rev. Fr. Denis Isa Iranya as a fitting way to honor his memory. The mass was co-celebrated by Bishop Raphael p'Mony Wokorach of Nebbi Catholic Diocese who acknowledged Fr. Denis for his simple life and dedicated service, touching many lives and being a source of inspiration to those in the vineyard of the Lord.

In his homily, Bishop Sabino reflected on Isaiah's prophecies of a lavish banquet, symbolizing the Lord's triumph over the kingdoms of the earth, sin, and death. This Banquet, he emphasized, fulfills the long-awaited day for God's people, wiping away all tears and sorrow.

While referencing the gospel according to Luke, Bishop Sabino emphasized the importance of preparation, citing Fr. Denis's commitment to daily journaling. Bishop quoted from Luke's reading of the day, "Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast, so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes; truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those servants!' encouraging the congregation to be vigilant in their spiritual preparations.

Bishop encouraged mourners to adhere strictly to the Ten Commandments and the commandment of love for God and one another. He praised Fr. Denis for promoting unity and love, exemplified by his life history, which revealed a man who never harbored enmity, nourishing himself with the holy sacraments and fostering unity among the people of God.

He drew once again from Isaiah's prophetic words while calling on the congregation to pray for the repose of Fr. Denis's soul, emphasizing the anticipation of the Banquet that celebrates the Lord's victories.