Lira Diocese issued its Christmas Pastoral Message 2025 on December 18. The message, issued by Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, calls on Christians and all citizens to embrace peace, justice, and responsible citizenship as Uganda enters a sensitive civic period of elections.
In the message, the Bishop reflects on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, presenting Christmas as a decisive moment for conscience formation and moral responsibility.
He emphasises authentic faith must shape personal conduct and public choices, especially during times marked by uncertainty and tension.
Speaking to journalists after the End of Year Curia Mass held at the Diocesan Offices in Daniel Comboni, Barogole, Bishop Wanok said Christmas provides the nation with its strongest preparation for peaceful, free, and fair elections.
He noted that genuine national transformation begins with the conversion of individual hearts, reminding believers that Christ changes people before changing systems.
Drawing from Matthew’s Gospel, the Bishop highlighted Joseph, described in Scripture as “a just man,” who responded to fear and confusion with righteousness, mercy, and obedience to God.
He said Joseph’s quiet discernment and protection of life offer a powerful model of leadership rooted in prayer, restraint, and moral courage rather than anger or retaliation.
From Luke’s Gospel, Bishop Wanok reflected on Mary’s Magnificat, describing it as a proclamation of courageous faith that trusts God to lift the lowly and guide history with justice.
He noted that Mary’s humility and trust reject violence and hatred while affirming hope, dignity, and God’s faithfulness.
The Bishop stressed that peace begins in the human heart, power carries responsibility, and every person possesses inherent, God-given dignity.
He warned against manipulation, lies, hatred, and violence, urging families, parishes, and villages to remain spaces of dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding.
The Bishop cautioned against exploiting the poor and the youth for political purposes, stating that poverty and frustration must never be used as tools for personal or political gain.
Vote-buying and material inducements, he said, violate human dignity and undermine freedom of conscience.
Bishop Wanok also condemned acts that promote division, including incitement, intimidation, and the destruction of campaign materials, describing such behavior as a sign of destructive leadership that harms both society and the nation.
He reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to non-partisanship, emphasizing that churches, schools, and health institutions must remain welcoming spaces of prayer, reconciliation, guidance, and healing for all people, regardless of political affiliation.
Mindful of the region’s history, the Bishop said Lira Diocese is recommitting itself to healing and solidarity through Caritas and peace-building efforts within Small Christian Communities, parishes, and families.
He urged believers to prepare for Christmas through prayer, sobriety, silence, and mutual protection, discouraging quarrels, drunkenness, and reckless behavior.
The religious head of the Diocese reminded Christians that Christ was born in humility and quietness, calling on the faithful to imitate the example of Joseph and Mary in their daily lives.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.