Last Updated on: 15th July 2023, 11:32 pm
Gulu City I Archbishop of the archdiocese of Gulu, John Baptist Odama was a principal celebrant in a colourful event to ordain priests and one deacon.
The man of God urged the newly ordained priests and one deacon to always be men of good reputation filled with the Holy Spirit.
Held at the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, For God in Gulu City, His Grace ordained to priesthood Rev Fr. Micheal Odong Zidane (Lukome Parish), Rev. Fr. Denis Idro Kenyi (St. Joseph’s Cathedral parish, Gulu), Rev. Fr. Raymond Okot (St. Joseph’s Cathedral Parish, Gulu), and Rev Fr. Joel Okot (Holy Rosary Parish).
Deacon Felix Bongomin was the only deacon to be sanctified and will serve the parishioners of St. Joseph’s Cathedral Parish.
Picking from the Book of John 10:11-16, Odama said the vocation is a call meant to shape the newly ordained to be God’s companion. “The Lord is going to be working with you and in you in order to deliver the captives.
“The Lord has called on you not only to be social workers but also true men of God, willing to turn the hearts of the flock back to Christ Jesus and more so serving with love,” he said from the Bible.
Archbishop also cited that these men of God came from the community, challenging them to be men of good and utmost reputation in a society filled with the Holy Spirit – but more so – seeking the wisdom and guidance from the Holy Book.
He, however, cautioned them to stay away from the earthly and worldly things that may disrupt their vocation – but rather prioritize their time in teaching people the essence of living and working by charity.
“What you have to do now that you have been fully ordained is to bring the people of God together as a temple of The Holy Spirit,” His Grace added.
The colourful event was graced and witnessed by hundreds, among others Priests from Gulu Diocese, Lira Diocese, Brothers, Sisters; Nuns and Deacons, Members of Parliament, local leaders, students of Sacred Heart Girls’ school, Lacor Seminary, Little Immaculate Sisters primary school; parents, friends and well-wishers.
Joyce Ongom, a parent called upon the young generation to learn from the newly ordained and always work for the goodness of the Lord. “The reward in serving The Lord is a big blessing, you can never regret it once you follow your calling,” she said.
She equally called upon the young, both girls and boys to always listen and respond to their call once the Lord calls on to them, urging them to learn from Moses who responded and acted on his call.