Free Deacons, Priests to Serve “without any hindrance”: Ugandan Bishop to Parents, Family

“Your work will be to nourish the flock’s faith, morality and mission in conformity with the Church’s teaching,” the Bishop who has been at the helm of Lira Diocese since February 2019 told the newly ordained Priest and Deacons.

He continued, “You have come to offer your life as sentries and not as opportunists looking for means of acquiring material wealth for survival.”

Bishop Wanok went on to describe ministry of the Clergy as one that “needs no destruction, but alertness and watchfulness.”

He underscored the value of obedience saying, “Here pay Attention please! Otherwise you will be frustrated … Listen to Christ through your Bishop who would send you to preach, sanctify and serve with humility of Christ by being present amidst the flock all the time.”

“Win salvation with the cross of service and renew Christian communities in Him through the celebration of the Eucharist, which is the way, the truth and life for humanity,” the 64-year-old Bishop who previously served as the Local Ordinary of Uganda’s Nebbi Diocese urged the new members of the Clergy.

He further advised the newly ordained to “rest not, until you bring the flock to Christ through praise and worship, Eucharist, the true Identity of the faithful.”

“I and the faithful of Lira Diocese warmly welcome you to the college of shepherds and Priests to gather, to clean, to defend and restore the sheep all the time through, with and in Christ,” Bishop Wanok said. 

He implored, “May the Lord who called you into the ministry accompany you with the true spirit of service to His people.”