Arua Diocese

"Whatever Goes Against Unity Is Not the Work of God." Bishop Sabino Urges Refugees at Maagi 3 Refugee Settlement.

Arua Diocese - Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki has called for unity among the refugees at Maagi 3, urging them to focus on efforts that align with the work of God. His message was delivered during the confirmation ceremony of 233 young Christians and the blessing of Primary Seven candidates at Maagi Primary School in the Maagi 3 Refugee Settlement, Adjumani, within the Diocese of Arua.

Addressing the congregation, Bishop Sabino encouraged the newly confirmed to embrace their faith and trust in the Holy Spirit, who would guide them on their journey as witnesses of Christ. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome he received upon arrival, especially noting how young children and confirmants had walked close to five kilometers ahead to meet him.

The Bishop extended special thanks to Monsignor Felix Drani, the Episcopal Vicar for the Refugee Vicariate, for inviting him to celebrate with the children and Christians in the settlement. He also appreciated the Missionaries of Africa, the White Fathers and Brothers, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, and other religious groups for their ongoing collaboration and apostolic work serving the people of South Sudan in the refugee camps.

Bishop Sabino reassured the refugees that the Church would continue to stand by them. "You are our own, and we cannot forget you. We thank you for your resilience, perseverance, and all the effort you've put into making this your home away from home. Despite being far from South Sudan, you have made this place yours, and for that, we are grateful.

As you continue your journey here, I pray that you receive all the support needed to move forward with life. Know that Arua Diocese will stand with you, offering material and spiritual support as a sign that God has not abandoned you. The Holy Father's message this year is that God never abandons his people. Even before you arrived, God was already here waiting for you. His presence is seen in the ministries of the Church." he affirmed.

Bishop praised the community for their resilience, perseverance, and the effort they have made to create a home away from home. He urged the refugees to celebrate sacraments regularly, so that upon their eventual return to South Sudan, they inspire others to do the same.

The Maagi 3 Refugee Settlement in Arua Diocese was established in 1997, it is one of three camps located in Adjumani District in Northern Uganda that by June 2018 was a home to over 41,000 registered refugees, primarily from the Second Sudanese Civil War and the ongoing conflict in South Sudan.