Arua Diocese Bulletin -- November/December 2011

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.
November / December 2011
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
Sr. Marion Weinzapfel, CSJ
Photo by
Sr. Marion Weinzapfel, CSJ
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
8 Arua Diocese Bulletin