info@dioceseofarua.org
+256 781 - 480 - 953
info@dioceseofarua.org
+256 781 - 480 - 953
The Bishop made the remarks during his second visit in just a week to Lima Catholic parish in Koboko district where he celebrated a holy mass confirming more than 200 young Christians and officiating the holy marriage of two eldery couples.. "Let us embrace a proper family if we want a stable society. Most families today are trying to do without God. Which is why our society is completely broken. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, is putting much emphasis and importance on the family and calling upon families to draw inspiration from the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. So let us embrace the family. Where there is love, there is also understanding and forgiveness." Said the Bishop.
He advised the girls to consider relationships that lead to holy marriage in the church as their decision is key in the vocation of Marriage. "I have always wanted to know what goes on during customary marriage. On two occasions I have attended, the first question asked is; if the girl knows the visitors. Once she says no. That is the end of the conversation.Therefore, you girls are very instrumental in the vocation of marriage.Your decision is key. Ask your man if the relationship also includes church marriage; otherwise, it may lead to regret and regret has no reward.” Continued the Bishop."
He noted that coming to the young parish seems to bring him blessings and urged the Christians to continue praying for him. "I have been asking for missionaries, volunteers, brothers , priests to help with the pastoral and spiritual care in the refugee settlements. When I came early this week, on returning, I found my requests answered. A communication from the Little Daughters of St.Joseph in the Holy See who just concluded their chapter and election of new leaders say they will be coming to share the work with refugees. Dominican brothers are also sending one Priest and Scalitian Sisters are also coming to help the refugees. This is a sign that God is recognising our effort, let us continue accommodating and guiding the refugees.''
The Bishop confirmed that the help to the refugees in the Diocese has started well. He said the Arua diocese hosts approximately one million and fifty thousand refugees in need of both pastoral and spiritual care. In Yumbe district, Moyo district, Obongi district, Koboko district, Adjumani district and Arua district , the majority being South Sudanese refugees.
In 2016, Rt.Rev.Sabino Ocan Odoki created a Vicariate for Refugees and Migrants in Arua Diocese, thereby Arua Diocese becoming the only Diocese in Uganda with a special Vicariate for Refugees and Migrants . Pastoral Agents in the Refugee Settlements like Comboni Sisters are implementing Health activities; Jesuit Refugee Service is implementing training of Catechists and vocational skills, others are implementing administration of Sacraments, Scholarships, Vocational skilling and many more. He appealed for more response from the missionaries like the Scalabrinis and also appealed for Higher education for the Refugees.
The Bishop congratulated Lima parish for keeping the faith alive and being very vibrant. And Fr.Modester the Parish Priest and Fr.Andrew his Curate for their pastoral care to the christians of Lima.
He asked the congregation to live a life of humility, perseverance . And also discouraged laziness amongst the Christians. He encouraged the church in Lima to work hand in hand with the government leaders to ensure development and those in other religious fraternities.