Lira Diocese rejoices as New priests and Deacons are ordained
On the bright morning of September 4, 2025, the Ordination Grounds of Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira came alive with prayer, song, and reverence as Christians gathered to witness a profound milestone in the life of the Church.
From as early as 7:30 a.m., the faithful streamed in, filling the air with anticipation and devotion. At the heart of the celebration was the ordination of 10 deacons and two priests, solemnly set apart to serve the people of God. Among them were Fr. George Ochieng and Fr. Ray Atual AJ, now entrusted with shepherding Christ’s flock with humility and dedication, alongside the newly ordained deacons drawn from various parishes and the clerical association Sons of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (SSPP).
The ordination stood as a testament to the vitality of faith within Lira Diocese, drawing priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from near and far. Pilgrims traveled not only from within Uganda but also from neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, their presence embodying the unity of the Body of Christ across cultural and national borders. This communion echoed the spirit of the East African Community and AMECEA’s pastoral solidarity, as distinctions of language and geography faded before the shared joy of faith. It was a day when heaven and earth met in a celebration of vocation, service, and the enduring mission of the Church.
Dignitaries, too, joined the sacred assembly, led by the Paramount Chief of Lango, His Highness Eng. Dr. Michael Odongo Okune, whose presence underscored the deep ties between Church and community. The bishop, presiding with pastoral warmth, extended heartfelt gratitude to civil and political leaders whose support, including the donation of tents to shelter the congregation reflected a spirit of servant leadership. In his homily, he emphasized that when God works wonders among His people, words can scarcely capture the depth of His grace. It was in this sacred mystery that men were ordained, called to proclaim the Gospel and bear witness to Christ’s love in the world.
The liturgy itself was a celebration of grace, beauty, and cultural expression. Aloi Deanery, entrusted with leading the singing, elevated the Mass with stirring hymns that turned hearts toward praise and thanksgiving. The Catholic Women’s Guild and liturgical dancers enriched the Gospel and Offertory processions with reverent choreography, blending tradition with transcendence. In his reflection on 1 Samuel 3:1–10, the bishop reminded the faithful of Samuel’s humble response to God’s call and urged seminarians to listen closely to their own “Eli”, the formators guiding their discernment. In this moment of renewal, the ordination became not only a commissioning of new servants but also a reminder to all of the Church’s mission: to listen, to serve, and to bring hope to God’s people.
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