Arua Diocese

Bishop Sabino Emphasizes Personal Consecration to God at Eruba Parish Church Dedication and anointment of the Altar with Chrism Oil.

During the anointment of the Church altar with Chrism oil and the dedication of Eruba Parish Church in Arua Diocese, Bishop Sabino delivered a compelling message to the Christians of Eruba Parish stressing the importance of personal consecration and holiness in oneself if the consecrated church is to remain holy.

Bishop Sabino told the congregation that the consecration and dedication of the Church goes beyond being a mere celebration -- it involves the dedication of oneself, becoming a part of the living church in Christ. He described the church building as a symbolic representation of Eruba Christians' presence, with the true essence of the church residing in its people. Bishop Sabino urged the congregation to take full responsibility for the maintenance of the church building.

He called for unity among Christians, encouraging them to engage in gainful activities and advised against adopting a poverty mindset. Bishop said singing of poverty often makes one remain with poverty. He advocated for a change in mindset to combat poverty, urging youth to join the Greater West Nile Youth Forum, initiated under the Diocese of Arua, providing a platform for mindset change and economic skill training.

Bishop expressed his gratitude to Monsignior Charles for the invitation and preparation, He said that he postponed the celebration briefly for catechism, for the christians to understand first that consecration of the church involves not only the feast and consecration of the church building and the altar but also the consecration of individuals to God, as they are the living church.

Using the analogy of an ant hill, Bishop Sabino emphasized that the church building serves as a sign of the Christians' presence. Just as the owners of an ant hill come out when something happens to it, the responsibility of maintaining the church rests with its members. He thanked those who supported the realization of the project, recognizing the Diocese of Bonsiano and the visiting bishop for their contributions.

Bishop Sabino concluded by stressing the ongoing responsibility of the local community to maintain the church and urged for support in its development. He discouraged the perpetuation of a poverty narrative, urging the congregation to contribute what they can for gainful activities.