info@dioceseofarua.org
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info@dioceseofarua.org
+256 781 - 480 - 953
Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki called upon the Christians of Omugo Parish in Arua Diocese to imitate and follow the example of St. Joseph the Worker. Bishop Sabino was presiding over the celebration of the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker to which Omugo Parish is dedicated, on Saturday, 1st May, 2021. The day coincides with the celebration of International Labour Day.
Bishop Sabino said that St. Joseph was a practical person who never doubted God. He always acted on the will of God. When God sent him, he went straight to action, after being instructed not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, he did. They traveled to Bethlehem, where he found a safe place for Jesus to be born. In a vision, he followed the angel’s direction to escape with Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt for protection. When those who wanted to harm Jesus were gone, an angel instructed Joseph to return back, he did too. How nice would it be if we were all like St.Joseph, who was loving, tender, caring , obedient and a creative Father.
Bishop Sabino handed over to the Parish Priest of Omugo Parish a copy of Apostolic Letter which Pope Francis issued when inaugurating the year of St. Joseph, 2021. In the letter entitled Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart), Pope Francis describes St. Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father, a father who is creatively courageous, a working father and a father in the shadows. The Bishop invited the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Geoffrey Ojandu, FLP, to always read it to the Christians so that they may always imitate their Patron Saint St.Joseph.
During the celebration, 158 Christians received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and two couples received the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The Bishop said marriage is a way of showing gratitude to God for the gift of a partner. He encouraged the couples to work together and love each other as nobody is perfect. "Many of you are looking for the right partner but there is nothing like a perfect partner, we all should learn from St.Joseph," said the Bishop.
Bishop Sabino noted that in today's world there is a lot of rejection, hatred and division without any good reason. He urged the Christians not to let the Year of St. Joseph to pass without learning from St.Joseph.
