Lira | On Sunday, St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Anai was officially elevated to a full parish, marking a historic milestone for the local Catholic community.
This historic occasion was graced by government ministers, clergy, and hundreds of faithful who came together to witness the momentous Eucharistic celebration. The event concluded with Fr. Isaac Ojok taking the solemn oath of office as the first Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Catholic Parish in Anai.
The transformation of St. Peter’s Anai from a sub-parish to a full parish reflects the rapid growth of the Catholic faith in the area, as well as the faithful’s unwavering commitment.
For years, the church has been a source of hope, guiding believers on their spiritual journeys while also playing an important role in community development. The elevation reflects not only an increase in the number of congregants, but also the church leadership’s commitment to fostering spiritual and social growth.
The Eucharistic celebration was filled with deep reverence and joy, with priests, religious leaders, and the faithful raising their voices in thanksgiving. The presence of government ministers and dignitaries emphasized the church’s role in both religious and national affairs.
Their attendance was a powerful reminder of the critical role that faith communities play in shaping values, promoting peace, and fostering human unity.
During the ceremony, Rev. Fr. Isaac took his oath of office, formally accepting the sacred responsibility of shepherding the parish. His appointment is a source of great joy for the congregation, as he brings a wealth of experience, deep faith, and a steadfast commitment to the community’s spiritual health.
As the first Parish Priest, Fr. Isaac is expected to guide the faithful with wisdom, humility, and a vision for growth.
In his acceptance notification, he thanked the Bishop and the entire Catholic Church leadership for entrusting him with this noble mission.
He acknowledged the parishioners’ unwavering faith and resilience in making this day a reality. He also promised to uphold the church’s teachings, increase evangelization efforts, and collaborate with the community to address spiritual and social issues.
St. Peter’s Anai is now the Lira Catholic Diocese’s 29th parish. Parishes play an important role in Catholic life, serving as places of worship, education, and social outreach. With this new status, the Parish will have more flexibility in administering sacraments, pastoral activities, and community development initiatives.
Among the immediate advantages of becoming a Parish, the church can now establish more structured ministries, expand catechism programs, and improve youth engagement activities.
Furthermore, social services such as education, healthcare, and charitable programs are expected to grow, reinforcing the church’s mission of holistic development.
The congregation, visibly elated, celebrated with hymns of praise, traditional dances, and heartfelt prayers, not just to witness a transition, but also to reaffirm faith, unity, and a shared commitment to the Gospel.
As St. Peter’s Anai embarks on its new journey as a parish, the clergy, lay leaders, and parishioners share responsibility for ensuring the parish’s continued growth and impact.
The event served as a reminder that the church is more than just a building; it is a living community of believers committed to worship, service, and love.
Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, presided over the Sunday event and urged politicians to exercise restraint and decorum during their campaigns.
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