Arua Diocese Bulletin -- November/December 2011

Nov./December 2011 

Published by the Communications Department and printed by the Arua Diocese Printing Services, P.O. Box 454, Arua 

No. 122 

DPC: Closing Remarks by Bishop Sabino 

L 

istening to you has been very 

enriching: we have heard a lot a 

good news for all; the Church is 

alive in Arua Diocese! We have not only 

been local, but we collaborate with other 

dioceses. In the province we are featuring 

very well; all others are looking at us; I 

call for more collaboration in the pastoral 

field (such as the meeting in Kalongo) in 

the secretariat, in common activities (such 

as Peace Week, the Marriage Tribunal, 

the centenary celebrations). We are 

exploring other areas of collaboration, 

such as pilgrimages (Wii Polo, Lodonga, 

Indriani, Iceme); Nebbi has been asked to 

establish a centre for pilgrimage. Pope 

Benedict is emphasizing pilgrimage as an 

opportunity for evangelization. We 

should promote provincial activities; 

Arua Diocese is looked at as model to 

inspire the others. 

In the Uganda Episcopal Conference, a 

communiqué was made; we are invited to 

work hard to eradicate corruption and the 

church is to be the model of corruptionfree 

administration. The cost sharing 

responsibilities have increased, but when 

we are united, we shall overcome. 

Among others, I give thanks for the plan 

for the centenary celebrations; the 

preparation is a way of growing in our 

faith. We should give it the seriousness it 

demands to help people grow in the faith. 

We aimed very high, let us commit 

ourselves. The missionaries didn’t find 

any structures in Indriani; let us know 

how they struggled and had to abandon it; 

what used not to happen is now 

happening though us. The theme of the 

centenary (THE FAMILY: the place to 

live Christ’s Love) is a test of the 

strength of the church; the family is the 

first unit of the church; what we are today 

comes from the family; this will help the 

church to become strong. 

On my part: my two years and three 

months has been a time to learn and find 

out how he can best organize. We are 

doing all possible to improve general 

administration of the diocese; for 

example, the vicariate of Lodonga. The 

diocese is very big; now we are well set 

for the administration of the diocese. 

We are trying to improve the financial 

administration of the diocese: 

requisitions; signing, implementation and 

accountability. Every parish should have 

finance committee to promote 

transparency: Are the people prepared for 

the work? Are they honest? We are trying 

to improve the income of the diocese; 

Parishes must make sure we give what is 

expected to the diocesan treasury; 

reporting should continue with 

transparency, to help others improve. 

In 2012 Uganda Martyrs day falls on 

Trinity Sunday; it will still be a day for 

pilgrimage; the mass will be that of 

Trinity Sunday and the Uganda Martyrs 

will be remembered. 

If we have the funds, the resolutions of 

this council’s deliberations should be 

made into a book; they are very 

important; the books last longer. 

I express my gratitude for the active 

participation of the members and the 

facilitators. Now we must take these kind 

of things to our homes (vicariate, 

parishes). ■ 

Arua Diocese Bulletin 1 

November / December2011

Pope Benedict’s Africa plan: Stay spiritual, and stay Catholic 

P 

ope Benedict XVI came to Africa 

primarily to deliver his 

conclusions from a 2009 Synod of 

Bishops for Africa. He chose an 

evocative setting – the city of Ouidah on 

Benin’s Atlantic coast, a onetime slave 

port known as the spiritual capital of the 

Vodun religion, referred to in the West as 

voodoo. 

Benedict’s 138-page document on 

Africa, titled Africae Munus, or 

“Africa’s Commitment,” contains a 

bewildering variety of specifics, but its 

core boils down to two pleas to Africa’s 

roughly 150 million faithful: Stay on the 

spiritual plane, as opposed to becoming a 

political party, and stay Catholic. 

In effect, Benedict argues throughout the 

text that the best contribution 

Catholicism can make to reconciliation, 

justice and peace in Africa, which was 

the theme of synod, is by fulfilling its 

spiritual mission – reconciling humanity 

to God and one another through Christ. 

Preaching the gospel, promoting the 

sacraments, and saving souls, the pope 

implied, is the distinctive contribution of 

the church to the quest for peace and 

justice. 

“To deprive the African continent of 

God would be to make it die a slow 

death, by taking away its very soul,” the 

pope warned. 

“The church’s mission is not political in 

nature,” the pope writes at one point, and 

at another he adds that “Christ does not 

propose a revolution of a social or 

political kind.” 

The temptation to direct political 

engagement may be especially strong in 

Africa, where religious bodies are often 

the most trusted exponents of civil 

society and of resistance to corrupt 

regimes. 

Benedict also called on African Catholics 

to take their cues from church teaching 

and tradition, as opposed to an 

excessively “African” form of the faith. 

He referred to “dual affiliation”, meaning 

Catholics who also practice tribal 

religions, as a serious problem. 

Much of the specific content of Africae 

Munus is already familiar, but two 

distinct themes stand out. 

First, Benedict clearly links the push to 

fight corruption in political and economic 

life to the need for good government 

inside the church itself. 

Speaking to Africa’s bishops, Benedict 

writes: “To make your message 

credible, see to it that your dioceses 

November / December 2011 

become models in the conduct of 

personnel, in transparency and good 

financial management.” “Do not 

hesitate to seek help from experts in 

auditing, so as to give a good example 

to the faithful and to society at large,” 

the pope writes. 

At another point, Benedict insists that 

church employees must receive “just 

remuneration … in order to 

strengthen the church’s credibility.” 

He also directs a similar message to 

church-affiliated health care institutions, 

insisting that “the management of grant 

monies must aim at transparency.” 

Second, this theologian-pope encouraged 

the bishops of Africa to take a special 

interest in “the life of the intellect and 

reason, so as to foster a habit of rational 

dialogue and critical analysis within 

society and in the church.” “Perhaps this 

century will permit, by God’s grace, the 

rebirth on your continent, albeit surely in 

a new and different form, of the 

prestigious School of Alexandria,” the 

pope writes. 

In terms of other specifics, Africae 

Munus contains a wide variety of papal 

recommendations and injunctions. They 

include: An endorsement of truth and 

reconciliation commissions, stressing 

that reconciliation must not come at the 

expense of accountability. It must 

include, he writes, “the pursuit of those 

responsible for these conflicts, those who 

commissioned crimes and who were 

involved in trafficking of all kinds, and 

the determination of their responsibility. 

Victims have a right to truth and justice.” 

The church’s responsibility to act as a 

“sentinel” in denouncing injustice. The 

church, the pope writes, “feels the duty to 

be present wherever human suffering 

exists and to make heard the silent cry of 

the innocent who suffer persecution, or 

of peoples whose governments mortgage 

the present and future for personal 

interests.” 

A strong plug to defend the rights and 

role of women. “Women’s dignity and 

rights, as well as their essential 

contribution to the family and to society, 

have not been fully acknowledged or 

appreciated,” the pope writes. “The 

church has the duty to contribute to 

the recognition and liberation of 

women” and to promote for them “a 

place in society equal to that of men.” 

Urging political leaders to combat 

poverty and to protect the environment. 

“Fundamental goods such as land and 

water,” the pope writes, are critical for 

“the human life of present and future 

generations and for peace between 

peoples.” 

Endorsement of good government and 

anti-corruption efforts. 

Support for dialogue with Muslims, 

coupled with insistence on respect for 

freedom of belief and worship. 

“Religious freedom is the road to peace,” 

the pope writes. 

Many experts have predicted an “African 

moment” in the global church in the 21st 

century, given Catholicism’s explosive 

growth here. (The Catholic population of 

sub-Saharan Africa grew almost 7,000 

percent during the 20th century.) One 

foretaste of that “African moment” has 

been the rapid growth in African priests 

serving outside the continent, especially 

in Europe and North America. 

Despite the fact that the priest shortage is 

actually far more acute in Africa than in 

the West – the priest-to-person ratio is 

the United States is 1-1,300, while in 

sub-Saharan Africa it’s almost 1-5,000 -- 

- Benedict encouraged what observers 

often refer to as the “reverse mission,” 

meaning African priests serving in the 

Western societies which once dispatched 

missionaries to Africa. 

The pope called on African bishops to 

“respond generously to the requests of 

their confreres in countries lacking 

vocations, and assist the faithful deprived 

of priests.” ■ 

Excerpts from an article in the NCR 

by John L. Allen Jr. 

2 Arua Diocese Bulletin

B 

FROM ROM THE THE BISHOP BISHOP 

ISHOP’S ISHOP OFFICE O FFICE 

Fr. Paul Opoky, AJ, appointed curate of Ajumani Parish, 

effective 25 November 2011. 

Fr. Guma Felix, appointed acting parish priest of Maracha Parish, 

effective January 2012. 

Fr. Asiku Alfred, appointed acting in-charge/temporary overseer of Arua 

House-Muyenga, effective January 2012. 

Fr. Buni Richard, appointed parish priest of Ocodri Parish, effective 

January 2012. 

Fr. Inyaga Andrew, appointed teacher and formator at Pokea Seminary, 


Fr. Bekia Vincent, appointed bursar and formator at Pokea Seminary, 


Fr. Eneku Richard, appointed acting parish priest of Logiri Parish and 

chaplain of Logiri Girls SSS, with residence there, effective 

January 2012. 

Fr. Amudra Kasto Thomson, appointed caretaker of Tara Sub-Parish, 

with residence there, effective January 2012. 

Fr. Acidri Constantine, continuing as assistant director of Caritas Arua, 

appointed curate of Vurra Parish, with residence at Caritas 

House, Arua, effective 14 th October 2011. 

Fr. Amandua Lucas, appointed chaplain of Maracha Hospital, with 

residence at Maracha Parish, effective 14 th October 2011. 

Fr. Matua Valentine, continuing as executive secretary of diocesan land 

commission, appointed chaplain of Arua Prison and chaplain at 

Mandela Comprehensive SSS, with residence at Christus 

Centre, effective 14 th October 2011. 

Fr. Orionzi Samuel, appointed curate of Ocodri Parish, with residence 

there, effective 14 th October 2011. 

Fr. Sancte Eriku, appointed chaplain of Otumbari SSS and curate of 

Otumbari Parish, with residence there, 

effective 24 th October 2011. 

Fr. Candia Drandua Fred, appointed in-charge of the diary of the 

bishop’s house, with residence there, 


Fr. Awide Joseph, appointed chaplain of Daughters of Merciful Love of 

Jesus and Mary Queen of Apostles and appointed parish priest 

of Otumbari Parish, with residence there, 


Fr. Ongom David Steve, appointed parish priest of Ajumani Parish, 


Fr. Kasozi Frederick, appointed vice-rector at Pokea Seminary, 


Fr. Alex Matua MCCJ, appointed curate of Ombaci Parish and chaplain 

of St. Joseph College Ombaci, effective 23 November 2011. 


November / December2011 

O

From the Family Life Desk 

Christmas and New Year 

message to all married 

couples of Arua Diocese 

A 

s we prepare to receive our Lord 

Jesus Christ and also prepare to 

celebrate the 100 th year of the 

existence of the Catholic faith in Arua 

Diocese, let us reflect on the theme for 

the centenary: THE FAMILY: the place to 

live Christ’s Love. This theme puts 

forward the position of the family on the 

forefront. We are therefore charged 

responsible to ensure love in our family 

for the family members and also 

neighbors. This calls upon all stake 

holders in the family to stamp out any 

form of domestic violence and continue 

to make peace in the family. The theme 

for the Family Life Desk for the year is 

“the two shall become one”. Also the 

theme for the Catholic Diocese of Nebbi 

was: “You will be my witness from the 

family to the ends of the world”. We too 

are called to be witnesses of the Jesus 

Christ. We can be witness only if we 

allow Christ to reign in our family and 

accept Him as the family head. For us 

Catholics we show this by celebrating the 


sacraments, especially the sacrament 

of marriage (Matrimony). 

These themes could help us to 

celebrate the coming events more 

meaningfully. But other earthly 

things prevent us from celebrating 

the sacraments; these include: 

alcoholism & drug abuse, polygamy, 

greed, poverty due to laziness, 

witchcraft, poor birth control 

methods and many others. To 

celebrate the birth of Jesus and the 

centenary of our faith we have to 

avoid these vices to make our family 

the place to live Christ’s love. 

Those who have not celebrated the 

sacraments to the full should make 

efforts to do so in the coming year 

and those who have already 

celebrated the sacrament of 

matrimony should constantly pray so 

that they keep their promises and 

they can be seen as examples of 

Gods’ Children for others to follow, 

as you are called to let your light 

shine (Mat 16:5). 

By this message we wish you a 

Blessed New Year 2012. ■ 

From KALUCA 

D 

uring a fundraising 

held at St. 

J o s e p h 

Kawolokota Lugbara 

community chapel in 

K i t i m b w a P a r i s h , 

Kayunga district on 

Saturday 29 th October 

2011, UGX 871,000 cash 

and UGX 560,000 in 

pledges was realized. The 

chairperson of the COC, 

Mr. Aruku Gasper, said 

that the fund-raising was 

specifically to increase the income of the 

chapel and acquire a piece of a land to 

carry out income-generating projects like 

agriculture and brick making, among 

others. He also cited some challenges 

such as poor cooperation, lack of unity, 

low income and negative attitude from 

some Christians. The chairperson of Zone 

D under Kampala Lugbara Catholic 

Association (KALUCA), Mr. Alsandu 

Candia, thanked the Christians for their 

generous contributions. He further urged 

Christians to support, cooperate and unite 

with their leaders in order to bring up 

development in the chapel. He also 

encouraged their Christians to participate 

in church income-generating projects like 

agriculture. The chief catechist of Zone 

D, Mr. Joseph Enga Emvi, cautioned the 

Christians to live exemplary Christian life 

and be practical in their faith. He further 

urged the Christians to live in unity as 

Christians. ■ 

By Ajuni Charles, 

Communication Secretary Kampala 

Adrabo Atiku Robert and Draru Joyce Adrabo 

Family Life Desk, Arua Diocese 

From Lodonga 

Vicariate 

S 

tudents and tutors of 

Lodonga SPACE and 

Maracha Pastoral Training 

centres have been advised to 

encourage team work spirit among 

themselves to improve pastoral 

activities in Arua Diocese. Msgr. 

Mathias Miria, the Episcopal Vicar 

of Lodonga Vicariate, gave the 

advice during the farewell party 

organized for Fr. Angelo Nyatibo 

on 29 September 2011. Msgr. 

Miria said unity, love, peace are 

ways that bring happiness and 

success in institutions. Students 

and Christians gave described Fr. 

Nyatibo as a social, committed, 

and dedicated person. Fr. Nyatibo 

had served for two years in 

Lodonga SPACE. He is now 

director of Maracha P.T.C. ■ 

By Martin Ajobe 

Communication Secretary 


From All Saints Parish, Oluvu 

T 

he Bishop of Arua Diocese, Rt. 

Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, has 

pledged to support the proposed 

Kamaka Sub-Parish by giving iron sheets 

for roofing the twelve roomed priests 

house if the wall which is at beam level is 

completed. He made this offer on 30 th 

October 2011 during a confirmation 

ceremony at Kamaka Zone of Oluvu 

Parish. The Bishop appealed to those 

Christians who have not yet completed 

their contributions for the expansion and 

renovation of Ediofe Cathedral and their 

contributions to the major seminarians to 

do so before it is too late. 

Through a memorandum read by 

Mademaga Kenneth, the project vice 

chairman, the Christians appealed for the 

declaration of the proposed Kamaka Sub- 

Parish. In response, the bishop gave a go 

ahead for the Dean of Maracha Deanery, 

Episcopal Vicar of Lodonga Vicariate 

and the people of the proposed Sub- 

Parish to sit for a meeting in relation to 

the boundaries for the Sub-Parish so that 

the declaration will be made after the 

issues of the boundaries are settled. 

Fr. Casto Amudra, the dean of Maracha 

Deanery, urged the Christians of Kamaka 

Zone to support religious leaders from 

small Christian community level to the 

highest levels, especially seminarians 

saying there can’t be a Sub-Parish 

without a priest. 

Fr. Paul Maguma, the parish priest of 

Oluvu Parish, appealed to the people of 

Kamaka Zone to be open-minded and 

show cooperation towards Oluvu, the 

mother parish, as they continue to 

demand for sub-parish status. 

C 

hristians of St. John Bosco Chapel 

Onzua celebrated the hand-over 

ceremony for their newly 

transferred catechist Michael Adrama on 

20 th November 2011. The mass was led 

by Rev. Fr. Saul Bileyo Amaza, the 

curate of Aripea Parish. While preaching 

from the gospel according to St. Mathew 

chapter 1 verses 10-15, Fr. Saul said 

catechist Adrama was sent to spread the 

good news of God among the Christians 

of Onzua Chapel. 

The parish church of Oluvu while under renovation years ago. 

L 

ater, Bishop Emeritus Frederick 

Drandua encouraged the people of 

Oluvu Parish not to expect help 

from donors but to form SACCO groups 

to generate income to support the church 

and their families. He gave this 

encouragement on 1 st November 2011 in 

Oluvu Parish during the celebration of 

All Saints Oluvu parish day. 

Mary Anecho, the resident district 

commissioner of Maracha District who 

was the guest of honour for the 

celebration, thanked the people of Oluvu 

Parish for utilizing the funds which were 

collected during the fund-raising held in 

August; evidence of this was shown by 

the comprehensive and detailed 

accountability which was read by Mr. 

Afedra Charles, the Parish FPD chairman. 

Some of the projects that were 

From St. Peter Claver Parish, Aripea 

He asked the Christians to give support to 

their catechist as much as possible. After 

the mass, the 22 Christian communities 

gave their gifts which totaled UGX 

174,500. 

undertaken include: installation of a 

lighting system in the church and the 

priests’ house; painting; purchase of 

benches; and completing the work of the 

parish hall. 

Mr. Adripio Emmanuel, the LCV 

chairperson of Maracha District, appealed 

to the people of Maracha to start simple 

projects like chicken rearing, planting 

onions, tomatoes and cabbages as means 

of generating income at household levels 

to reduce poverty. Fr. Paul Maguma, the 

parish priest of Oluvu, thanked the 

Christians of Oluvu for contributing 

generously for the organization of the day 

and he urged them to regard the 

completed projects in the parish as a way 

forward to do more projects. ■ 

By Andega Edward 

Communication Secretary 

By Yamandu Samuel, Assistant Comm. Secr. 

St. James Small Christian 

Community 

2,750 St. Paul SCC 3,350 

St. Phillip SCC 1,500 St. Charles SCC 7,300 

St. Luke SCC 9,000 St. Emmanuel SCC 5,500 

St. Martin SSC 0 St. Jildo SCC 2,000 

St. Daniel SCC 3,000 St. Teresa SCC 3,700 

St. Mary SCC 2,300 St. Peter SCC 0 

St. Stephen SCC 3,750 St. Patrick SCC 0 

St. Victor SCC 1,750 St. Kizito 4,200 

St. Andrew SCC 1,500 Arido A. SCC 3,100 

St. Jude SCC 7,850 Catholic Action 14,500 

Holy Trinity SCC 1,800 Adult Choir 5,750 

Jerusalem SCC 1,450 CWAAD Aripea zone 39,950 

Donato Amabua 1,000 Erea community 16,400 

Olejoro chapel 12,800 Ayuri zone 12,000 

Traditional Doctors 6,300 




PILGRIMAGE TO PAIMOL: 

So, a pilgrimage to Paimol, the 

place of martyrdom of Blessed 

Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, 

teenage catechists, who died for 

the faith in 1918—what does it 

mean? 

T 

housands of people trek to this 

remote, desolate area in 

Northeastern Uganda near 

Karamoja and not far from Ethiopia and 

Kenya to honor these martyrs every Oct. 

20 th . People come by bus, lorry, and on 

foot, some walking for days. 

This year I found myself wanting to go. I 

know it is a day to honor catechists whom 

I try to encourage in my work in the 

Pastoral Coordinator’s office with the 

Catechist Desk and their new 

Association, GACA. I especially wanted 

to support their executive leaders and to 

go myself. 

The trip was very upbeat—full of singing 

from the little booklet, “Buk Lega ki Wer 

Pa Lakristo” led by Elisabeth. I was 

delighted that we passed through Omiya 

Anyima and Nam Okora which were new 

to me. We arrived at Paimol before dark, 

arranged ourselves and then attended 

Mass. 

Getting arranged meant setting up the 

tent, yes tent loaned to me as we were 

leaving! It was put next to the large open 

tent where the others spread out mats on 

the ground. 

The Church was full so we sat outside. It 

was now dark. Only a small light on the 

altar illumined the space. After Mass, the 

generator did work and a light over the 

church door went on that stayed on until 

late and helped people find their way as 

they were moving around. 

Returning to our “campsite” I was aware 

of how hungry I was. Had brought some 

snacks but was so happy when Elisabeth 

brought forth her prepared plates of liver 

and chips! 

After awhile we walked down to the 

shrine—the place where the martyrs were 

buried for many years (the bones now 

removed to Kitgum and Gulu). In this 

small chapel we prayed our heart-felt 

prayers. For me this was in thanksgiving 

for all the catechists—the martyrs but 

those who work so hard today and also 

for the healing or strengthening of a 

woman in the U.S. who had visited us 

and just found out she has inoperable 

pancreatic cancer. Coming back I 

stopped for a bit in the Church where 

exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was 

going on. I arrived as the closing 

blessing was given. 

We sat and talked for many hours, all 

wrapped up against the mosquitoes. 

Groups of people were sitting all over and 

children were playing. Teens were 

making music, a few vendors were selling 

their various rosaries and holy pictures, 

and everything was peaceful. Several 

policemen/soldiers were situated at the 

entrance and near the church. They 

seemed to be there only as security and 

did not taunt people or even speak that I 

could hear. 

Totally exhausted, I entered my tent to 

sleep. It has been years since I slept on 

the ground. But I was conscious of 

By Sister Marion Weinzapfel, CSJ 

Missionary to Gulu Archdiocese 

Martyrs of Paimol, pray for us. 

awaking a few times; sure proof that I did 

at least doze! There were waves of 

conversation throughout the night as 

people were cold and uncomfortable and 

gave up on sleeping. In the early 

morning people were finally sleeping all 

wrapped like mummies. 

People polished their shoes and the 

women put on their elegant dresses! I 

“dressed up” by changing my nylon shirt 

I had slept in for my actual jacket and 

wrapped a fringed shawl around my neck. 

As the sun came out with great heat, I 

came out with my faded skirt and top! 

I thought there would be no morning tea 

and once again, was wonderfully 

surprised when Elisabeth came with tea, 

her chapati from home but now with a 

scrambled egg inside! Ahh…. 


Bishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, 

Archbishop of Kampala. 

So she and the other catechists helped the 

Gulu Archdiocese Laity Association from 

Kampala finish transforming the space 

and I went around taking pictures: of the 

beautiful mountainous surroundings, of 

the woman with Doreen from Holy 

Rosary Parish who pointed to her feet and 

saying, “I footed it from Nam Okora!” 

and then flashed a big smile. 

The catechists were seated together under 

one of the tents. Now the catechists are 

always those arranging for prayer and 

only have seats when they move into their 

leader-mode. At major occasions, they 

are not recognized nor specially seated. 

But today was different. All catechists 

were recognized and honored for their 

work and faith. Many who wore their 

cassocks walked in the entrance 

procession. Their section was so full that 

Photo by 

Sr. Marion Weinzapfel, CSJ 

at least two of our group ended up 

standing throughout the 3-hour Mass. I 

had met many of them and it was fun to 

greet and take “snaps”. They were happy 

to be there; happy to be together; and 

have their role recognized. 

The Mass was led by the Archbishop of 

Kampala, Bishop Cyprian Kizito 

Lwanga. Last year the papal nuncio for 

Uganda was the main celebrant. These 

northern martyrs are being claimed by all. 

The bus ride home was exhausting and 

quiet except for the thumping of the bus 

wheels. Yet there were hilarious 

moments. One occurred when Valeriano 

Megalit held up a bottle of water already 

opened and not sure if it was ok to drink 

it, first asked, “Whose is this?” Elisabeth 

called out, “Biko Lubik’s!” This very 

funny story of a rabbit whose friend Biko 

lubik concealed himself in food and was 

eaten by the rabbit is known to every 

Acholi child—a lesson to be wary of food 

that is just on the road as it may contain 

something deadly. This retelling and 

laughing went on for some time. 

Of course for me, the story only came the 

next day in a language lesson! 

So—besides being a wonderful way to 

accompany the catechists, what does it 

mean to pilgrimage to Paimol, also called 

Wii Polo? 

Pilgrimage is casting your lot with the 

people who are moving in a direction, 

going somewhere, in search of holy 

ground for the purpose of deepening their 

faith and laying their petitions before 

God. 

Pilgrimage is knowing the story and 

honoring these teen catechists whose 

innocence and vigorous witness of their 

faith are shining stars for a people who 

have suffered unspeakable violence and 

indignity and whose children have lost 

their innocence. 

Pilgrimage is recovery of something 

precious, a sense of the living God who 

literally walks with us and feeds us, 

protects us, and loves us along the way. 

Pilgrimage is the mingling of the 

splendor of the festive celebration of 

Mass with the dance, colorful dress, song, 

horns and ululations of the people. It’s 

the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 

in a church with the back half full of the 

mats of pilgrims. It’s the voices of 

excited children staying up late and 

people trying to sleep wrapped up against 

the mosquitoes and cold. It’s sitting for 

hours in the blistering sun and then, 

utterly exhausted, rushing for home 

leaving out so quickly that someone was 

left. 

I am reminded that these martryrs had 

joined as a team to go to the outpost when 

they knew it was dangerous. Daudi 

Okello was from the Payira Clan and 

Jildo Irwa from the Labongo Clan. These 

clans had fought and killed one another in 

the past. These young catechists living, 

working, and dying together give us a 

compelling testimony of belief in the 

power of the Spirit of Jesus to establish a 

kingdom of love, justice, and peace here 

and now. They were not just mere 

children, innocents who knew the story of 

the Ugandan Namogongo martyrs some 

32 years earlier, but young adults who 

entered into their call as catechists with 

all their hearts. 

So we come to slip in between Paimol 

with its 1918 event and our own everyday 

lives. None of us are exactly the same. 

What reconciliation, blending, 

witnessing, are we being called to? What 

has God deepened in us? ■ 

October 20, 2011: Pilgrims at Paimol 



October 20, 2011 

at Wii Polo. 

Preparing for the 

liturgy. 

H 

undreds of pilgrims from various 

parts of the world gathered on 

20 th October 2011 at Wii Polo 

(which means in heaven in Acholi 

language). Paimol was originally called 

Palauku, the place of the martyrdom of 

our two brothers, catechists Daudi Okello 

and Jildo Iwra. The theme chosen for this 

year’s celebration was “Lord help us 

grow together rooted in Christ’s love and 

truth.” The pilgrimage was animated by 

Gulu Archdiocese Laity Association 

(GALA) Kampala areas. 

His Grace Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the 

Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, 

who was the main celebrant and chief 

guest, urged the Christian laity, especially 

the catechists, to double their efforts in 

the evangelization, sense of discipleship 

and apostleship of Christ. He said the 

Catholic Church has had the pleasure of 

reaping many abundant fruits through the 

dedicated services of the laity especially 

the catechists. Other co-celebrants were 

Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, bishop of 

Arua Diocese; Rt. Rev. Franzelli 

Giuseppe, the ordinary of Lira Diocese; 

Rt. Rev. Lino Wannok Sanctus, the 

ordinary of Nebbi Diocese; Rt. Rev. 

Henry Ssentongo, the ordinary of Moroto 

Diocese; His Grace John Baptist Odama, 

Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese; Rt. 

Rev. Martin Luluga, bishop emeritus of 

Nebbi Diocese; Rt. Rev. Joseph Oyanga, 

bishop emeritus of Lira Diocese and a 

number of priests. 


Wii Polo Pilgrimage 

The history of the Blessed Martyrs Daudi 

Okello and Jildo Iwra is becoming wellknown 

to pilgrims. In 1917, at the 

conclusion of the catechists’ monthly 

meeting in preparation for the feast of All 

Saints, Daudi and Jildo were chosen to be 

sent to Paimol. They approached Fr. 

Cesare Gambaretto with the intention of 

receiving the commissioning to go to 

Paimol. Daudi Okello was between 16-18 

years old; he was born in a village of 

Ongom-Payira. His parents were Lodi 

and Amona. He was baptized and made 

his first holy communion on 6 th June 

1916 and was confirmed on 15 th October 

1916 at Kitgum mission by Msgr. 

Vignato. He spent two years between his 

confirmation and his martyrdom as a 

catechist at Paimol. 

Photo by 


Photo by 


Jildo Iwra was even younger: between 

12-14 years old. He was born in a village 

of Labongo Bar-Kitoba. His parents were 

Oeny and Ato. He was baptized and 

confirmed with Daudi Okello. Despite his 

young age he was sent to work with 

Daudi and collaborated with generosity 

and enthusiasm. 

During the weekend of 18-20 October 

1918, long before dawn, five people 

headed for the hut where Daudi and Jildo 

were staying with the clear intention of 

killing them. A village elder confronted 

the new comers telling them they were 

not allowed to kill the catechists, as they 

were his guests. Daudi appeared at the 

door of his hut and entreated the elder not 

to get involved. Then the intruders 

entered into Daudi's hut and insisted with 

him that he gave up teaching catechism. 

Realizing that Daudi was not giving in to 

their threats, they dragged him outside, 

pushed him to the ground and pierced 

him with their spears. 

Jildo who had been left inside the hut, on 

realizing what had happened to Daudi, 

came out and said in a loud voice, “If you 

have killed Daudi because he was 

teaching the new religion, then kill me 

too, for I too have been teaching it with 

him.” They dragged him outside the 

village compound and speared him to 

death. 

The place where they were killed was 

originally called Palauku, but was 

changed in their memory to Wii Polo 

which means in heaven in accordance 

with the prayer of “Our Father” which 

Daudi and Jildo had been teaching. These 

two young catechists did not fear to leave 

their faith up to the point of shedding 

their blood for it. ■ 

By Ajuni Charles, 

Communication Secretary Kampala 


Photo by 


T 

he pilgrims from Arua Diocese 

who slept at Christus Centre 

started their journey to Paimol 

with a Mass led by Fr. Denis Iranya at 

7:00 a.m. When the bus arrived, the 

pilgrims expressed their gratitude to the 

Lord and their journey was blessed by the 

Vicar General of Arua Diocese, Msgr. 

Primus Asega. 

The second group of pilgrims was 

collected from the Christ the King, Arua 

Town Parish. In the bus the pilgrims 

Wii Polo Pilgrimage 

From Assumption Parish, Moyo 

C 

hristians and well-wishers in Moyo Parish have been 

called to contribute for the renovation of the parish 

church. The renovation is part of the preparation for 

the celebration of the centenary of faith in 2012. The 

diocesan centenary celebration is scheduled for December 1, 

2012 in Indriani in Pakele Parish. The budget for the 

renovation of the Moyo Church stands at UGX 96 million; 

only UGX 7 million has been realized so far. Msgr. Louis 

Ajusi, the parish priest, proposes that the budget figure can 

be reached if the Christians are ready to do fund-raising and 

to participate in Sunday Mass collections and to make 

voluntary individual contributions. 

As the Vicar of Moyo Vicariate, he advised Christians to 

avoid too much expectation from foreign aid for doing 

church work. He urged them to practice self-reliance for the 

sustainability of the Church. ■ 

By Amoko Sunday, Radio Pacis Moyo Bureau 

prayed the rosary. The third group of 

pilgrims was taken from Ajia Parish at 

Arivu. 

When the pilgrims arrived at Gulu 

Cathedral centre they entered the church 

to have personal prayer and tour the area. 

The pilgrims were warmly welcomed by 

the sister in charge of Kalango Primary 

School and they were given rooms to 

sleep. 

The following day the pilgrims proceeded 

to Paimol and they first went to the tomb 

of the two blessed catechists 

Jildo Iwra and Daudi Okelo. 

In the welcoming speech given 

by the Archbishop of Gulu John 

Baptist Odama, he urged 

catechists of the whole Province 

of Gulu to imitate the example 

of the two blessed catechists; he 

noted that none of the priests in 

Gulu Province have been 

named a Saint yet. He 

proclaimed the day to be the 

day of the catechists and he 

encouraged more catechists to 

come for the pilgrimage next 

year 2012. 

Eleven catechists of Arua 

Diocese made the pilgrimage 

from the parishes of Nyio, 

Micu, Pokea, Oluko, Vurra, 

Yumbe, Odravu, Ombaci, Ajia 

and Oli. Six priests and one 

religious brother from Arua 

Diocese made the pilgrimage: 

Vicar General Msgr. Primus 

Asega, Fr. John Sabo, Fr. Denis 

Iranya, Fr. Jimmy Apangu, Fr. 

Simon Aluma, Fr. Luka Amandua, and 

Br. Erimino Drakari. At diocesan level 

only Catholic Action leaders made the 

pilgrimage. 

The diocesan Lay Apostolate Coordinator 

thanked the elderly man Mr. Fabiano 

Nzia from Nyio Parish who managed to 

go in his old age. She encouraged next 

year other parishes to go for the 

pilgrimage especially the association 

leaders and catechists from all levels. ■ 

By Tom Nyakunyo, Lay Apostolate 

Coordinator of Micu Parish 

From Uganda Martyrs Parish, 

Pokea 

M 

ore than 134 candidates in the Uganda Martyrs Parish 

Pokea have celebrated the Sacraments of First 

Communion and Baptism on the different dates of 

October 2011. Some of the candidates celebrated these 

sacraments in the parish centre while others celebrated them in 

the other two chapels of the parish. According to Mr. Ciriako 

Likaa, the catechist chairperson of the parish, Edobo Chapel had 

28 candidates and Jiako 41 candidates, while the parish centre 

had the greatest number of candidates. Fr. Nazerino Ajionzi, the 

parish priest, thanked parents for their cooperation shown to 

their children by caring for them spiritually and encouraged 

them to continue supporting them medically, educationally and 

materially. Agnes Abaya, one of the parent representatives, 

thanked the parish priest for his high promotion of spiritual 

growth in the parish and cautioned parents to care for their 

children in order to have good future leaders. ■ 

By Peter Ariku, Communication Secretary 



FR. MARIO CASELLA, MCCJ (1927–2011) 

F 

r. Mario Casella was born on 

August 1, 1927, in Malcesine, 

in northern Italy, just across 

Lake Garda from Limone, the town of 

St. Daniel Comboni. After he joined 

the seminary of the Comboni 

Missionaries in Italy, he was sent to 

England for his second year of 

Novitiate, and then made his First 

Profession as a religious member of 

the Comboni Missionaries in 1948. He 

continued his philosophy studies in 

England, before returning for his four 

years of theology studies in Italy, 

where he was ordained a priest in 

1954, which was the very first 

centenary year of the Dogma of the 

Immaculate Conception, proclaimed 

by Pope Pius IX in 1854, the very 

feast we celebrate during our 

pilgrimage to Lodonga. 

Fr. Casella was sent back to England 

for his first two years of priestly 


ministry, before leaving for Uganda in 

1956. Here in Arua diocese he remained 

for 15 years, until 1971, when he was 

chosen to serve for six years in Rome as 

the Formation Director of our 

scholastics studying theology. After that, 

he was sent to Chicago in the USA to do 

that same ministry as a Formation 

Director for our Comboni seminarians 

there. Next he accepted to work for a 

few years with the Apostles of Jesus in 

Nairobi, Kenya. 

Finally, in 1982, Fr. Casella was sent 

again to Uganda, where he served 

faithfully and generously for almost 30 

years. For a while during those years of 

war, he served as parish priest in 

Ombaci. Then he came to Lodonga, in 

spite of the insecurity, to help re-open 

this mission which had suffered so very 

much distruction during the war. He 

cooperated hand in hand with Fr. Renzo 

Salvano, to open SPACE, which 

includes the Catechists’ Pastoral 

Training Center and the Cenacle 

Spirituality Center. He was also working 

there with Fr. Torquato and Fr. 

Emmanuel, and for pastoral ministry 

with Fr. Toni LaSalandra and Fr. Luigi 

Moser in Lodonga Parish. Indeed Fr. 

Casella was known throughout Arua 

Diocese for always being open and 

ready to serve God and the local church 

as the Holy Spirit inspired. 

Fr. Casella returned to Italy in May of 

2010 for his regular home-visit. When 

his health began to deteriorate, he 

underwent a couple medical operations, 

including the removal of his stomach. 

But he never gave up hope of returning 

to his beloved Africa. In fact, just four 

months ago, he had already bought his 

ticket to return to Lodonga with Fr. 

Roberto, but the doctors wanted to see 

him one more time. After that, he had to 

accept that he was truly in the hands of 

God Who would decide what was best 

for him. 

Fr. Mario Casella loved his Comboni 

family, persevering for over 63 years of 

religious life. He loved his priesthood, 

serving the Church on three continents 

for over 57 years. He loved Africa, 

ministering some 45 years for his 

beloved African people. He loved his 

catechists, giving himself totally for 

their formation and for their families. He 

loved his missionary work, always 

zealous to do something more, very 

often busily pecking (with just two 

fingers!) on his old typewriter, writing 

encouraging letters to so many friends 

and benefactors. He loved his priestly 

ministry, always ready to preach a 

retreat and to offer another Mass. He 

loved his life of prayer, a true man of 

faith, a man of God, and loving God’s 

people. He loved Mary, Sultana of 

Africa, the Mediatrix of all graces, and 

he was often seen with his Rosary beads 

in his hands as he prayed to Mary. And 

early in the morning of December 7, 

2011 he arrived in heaven, just in time 

to celebrate the next day with Mother 

Mary and all the angels and saints, the 

beautiful Feast of her Immaculate 

Conception, which many dear pilgrims 

in Lodonga celebrated in the shadow of 

her beautiful basilica. 

Thank you, gracious God and our 

beloved Mother Mary, for the great 

gift of Fr. Mario Casella. 

By Fr. David Paul Baltz, MCCJ 

Lodonga, 7 December 2011 


Name of Parish/Institution 

Pilgrimage to Lodonga 

A 

r u a D i o c e s e p i l g r i m a g e 

committee has approved budget 

estimate of UGX 6.2 million for 

the preparation of 2011 Pilgrimage to 

Lodonga Minor Basilica from 5 th to 8 th 

December 2011. 

Ms. Martha Tiperu, the lay apostolate 

coordinator Arua Diocese, said the 

money shall be contributed by Catholic 

Action members, committee members, 

CWAAD members, RCCR and other 

associations. 

It will be spent mainly on liturgy, 

accommodation, security, water, 

construction of new latrines, shelter and 

many others. According to Fr. Iranya 

Denis, the lay apostolate chaplain of Arua 

Diocese, the bishops of Nebbi, Arua and 

Gulu will be present during the 

celebration. Fr. Aquilino Acidri the 

pastoral coordinator said, the 2011 

pilgrimage shall be animated by Catholic 

Action members of Arua Diocese. ■ 

By Martin Ajobe 

Communication Secretary, Lodonga Parish 

Ediofe Cathedral Renovation 

Collections and donations so far… UGX 210,467,400 

From 2006 to 

Nov. 2010 

Nov. 2010 to 

Nov. 2011 

Grand Total 

Adjumani 967,000 0 967,000 

Adumi 2,132,300 403700 2,536,000 

Ajia 1,744,050 205,000 1,949,050 

Aripea 1,343,650 35,000 1,378,650 

Arivu 1,845,850 2,160,000 4,005,850 

Arua Town 9,150,000 980,000 10,130,000 

Djaipi 0 0 0 

Ediofe 12,937,300 4,594,000 17,531,300 

Kijomoro 245,000 570,000 815,000 

Koboko 3,570,350 370,000 3,940,350 

Kureku 0 350,000 350,000 

Laropi 131,950 287,000 418,950 

Lima 278,700 206,000 484,700 

Lodonga 967,600 582,000 1,549,600 

Logiri 1,769,000 50,000 1,819,000 

Lugbari 150,000 283,000 433,000 

Maracha 2,365,150 380,000 2,745,150 

Metu 1,067,250 566,250 1,633,500 

Micu 2,513,450 1,017,150 3,530,600 

Mingoro 1,148,500 923,100 2,071,600 

Moyo 597,250 515,000 1,112,250 

Nyadri 162,300 33,450 195,750 

Nyio 347,400 0 347,400 

Obi 1,021,100 0 1,021,100 

Obongi 979,150 240,000 1,219,150 

Ocodri 426,500 72,400 498,900 

Odravu 879,400 0 879,400 

Offude 810,000 0 810,000 

Oleba 1,071,650 205,000 1,276,650 

Oli 2,053,050 675,000 2,728,050 

Oluko 2,304,950 406,600 2,711,550 

Oluvu 781,200 835,500 1,616,700 

Ombaci 4,423,300 100,000 4,523,300 

Otumbari 1,267,400 145,000 1,412,400 

Pakele 0 85,000 85000 

Pokea 1,214,650 200,000 1,414,650 

Tara 100,000 0 100,000 

Vura 1,241,300 179,000 1,420,300 

Yumbe 583,350 45,000 628,350 

DAC 3,250,000 180,000 3,430,000 

Centenary bank 0 10,000,000 10,000,000 

Staff - Centenary 0 300,000 300,000 

Little Sisters of Mary 

Immaculate Ediofe 

238,000 0 238,000 

Arua Kampala community 44,150,000 0 44,150,000 

Hon. Bako Christine 1,800,000 0 1,800,000 

Maracha Hospital 1,177,700 1,000,000 2,177,700 

Chrism Mass Feb. 2010 2,831,500 0 2,831,500 

Marian Bros. 50,000 0 50,000 

Fund raising 45,000,000 0 45,000,000 

Bishop's Installation 

balance 

0 3,000,000 3,000,000 

Mr. Vincent - Slumberland 0 1,500,000 1,500,000 

Ediofe Dispensary 0 6,600,000 6,600,000 

Namugongo Pilgrimage 0 6,500,000 6,500,000 

Our Lady help of the sick 0 600,000 600,000 

Total Collection 163,088,250 47,379,150 210,467,400 



Ediofe Ediofe Cathedral Cathedral Renovation 

Renovation 

Members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and Bishop Sabino 

visit to the renovation of the Cathedral. 


Preliminary 

UGX 

10,013,000 

Equipments 4,507,900 

Stones 11,760,000 

Cement 54,880,000 

Management 14,457,600 

Sand 5,230,000 

Casual loading (on/off) 3,455,000 

Unskilled labour (feeding) 1,957,800 

Timber & Poles 4,009,000 

Nails 1,013,500 

Contractor's labour 24,663,400 

Reinforcement bars 2,424,000 

Bricks from Kampala 62,869,450 

Transport 7,151,000 

Bank charges 269,200 

Total Payments 208,660,850 

Above: The members of the DPC stand on the 

northern extension of the cathedral. 

Below: a group of members of the DPC pose 

after having seen the interior of the cathedral.

Arua Diocese Bulletin -- November/December 2011

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