Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lira (Agenzia Fides) - The bishop of the diocese of Lira, Sanctus Lino Wanok said "corruption in the current world is becoming a setback to human progress and is destroying the society and its values". The bishop implored the people to join efforts in the fight against corruption in society that is rampant in Ugandan society. "celebrating 55 years of existence as a diocese is a sign of maturity in faith although amidst the overwhelming cases of corruption in the society", he said during the celebration which took place at the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira. "It is a moment for all to wake up and change their mind set and life style". Bishop Wanok, who is also vice chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference also cited the misuse of drugs and other substances that are rampant in society. "The fight against such acts must begin from the family because the family is first and the center of formation and learning for the youth". Corruption and drug abuse has deeply entered homes the reason why many families are breaking down with its adverse effects on children falling out of school among other negative effects, Wanok noted. During his homily, the prelate expressed his gratitude to his predecessors and those who accompanied him. "Today we are thanking God for the gift of the late Bishop Ceaser Asili, the first bishop of this diocese who stood his ground to represent the Good Shepherd while collaborating with the Comboni missionaries who propagated the faith among the people in this area. Thanks to the work done by the late bishop Ceaser Asili, the first bishop gave birth to the Congregations of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (MSMMC) and Missionaries of Jesus the Divine Master who are now serving in different dioceses within and outside the country", the bishop said during the homily.
He particularly acknowledged the contributions made by the late Bishop Joseph Oyanga (RIP) the second bishop of Lira Diocese "who guided the diocese at the very difficult moment when the region was faced with insurgency of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels-LRA and remained steadfast to the mission and pastoral care of the people of God entrusted to him".
The prelate also commended Fr. Joseph Franzelli, the third bishop of Lira Diocese and now bishop Emeritus for the pastoral care he was able to administer during his tenure as the ordinary of the diocese. The Diocese of Lira was founded on 12th July in 1968 and was dedicated under the watchful care and patronage of the holy martyrs of Uganda. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 26/7/2023)
