Bishop Sabino Urges Mocha Christians to Persevere in Faith, Following Patron's Example - (St. Daniel Comboni )
ARUA DIOCESE - -
Bishop Sabino Odoki Ocan has called on Christians of Mocha Zone to persevere in their faith and service to
humanity, drawing inspiration from the life and missionary work of St. Daniel Comboni, the zone's patron saint.
The Bishop made the call while presiding over the celebration of the Patron Saint Day at Mocha Zone, which brought together
Christians, religious and cultural leaders, parents, confirmation candidates and couples preparing to receive the Sacrament
of Matrimony.
In his homily, Bishop Sabino described St. Daniel Comboni as an extraordinary missionary who remained committed to
the evangelisation of Africa despite numerous challenges and setbacks. He urged Christians to follow the saint's
example by remaining steadfast in their faith and never giving up on the responsibilities entrusted to them by God.
Reflecting on the life of St. Daniel Comboni, the Bishop explained that Africa was once referred to as the 'Dark Continent'
because little was known about its interior, while many early missionaries faced serious challenges, including malaria.
He noted that many missionaries in the first group succumbed to the disease, but Comboni survived and returned to Italy,
where he recruited another group of missionaries. Comboni subsequently championed the training and involvement of Africans
in the evangelisation of their own continent, guided by his conviction that Africa could be evangelised by training and empowering Africans themselves.
Bishop Sabino expressed his gratitude to Fr. Tonino of Arua Diocese and all other missionaries serving in the region
for their dedication and continued contribution to the evangelisation of the people. He recognised their commitment
to spreading the Gospel and strengthening the faith of local communities, encouraging Christians to appreciate and support
the missionaries in their work.
He recalled that the missionary efforts eventually reached the region in 1910 at Pacuba in Pakwach. He further noted that
St. Daniel Comboni died at the age of 50, having dedicated his life to the mission of spreading the Gospel.
Drawing lessons from the saint's life, Bishop Sabino observed that some people today give up on children and young people too easily.
He urged parents and the wider community to remain patient, supportive and committed to nurturing children, emphasising that perseverance
is essential in fulfilling God's calling.
The Bishop encouraged the confirmation candidates to begin serving the Church and humanity at an early age, following the
example of St. Daniel Comboni and other saints.
He particularly pointed to St. Kizito, who was about 12 years old when he died, as an example of youthful commitment to the
faith. He called on the candidates to embrace Christian values and actively participate in the activities of the Church.
Bishop Sabino congratulated the children on receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation and commended their parents for guiding them in their Christian
formation. He encouraged the newly confirmed Christians to take greater responsibility for their faith and contribute to the growth of the Church.
He affectionately described Mocha Zone Chapel Community as 'a baby,' likening his relationship with the community to that of a parent and child.
He encouraged the Christians to continue working together to strengthen the community and advance the Church's mission.
Bishop Sabino noted that the pastoral council had been established and that the zone was progressing towards its official opening as a parish.
He commended the Christians for the progress made so far and urged them to intensify their preparations for the anticipated parish opening.
