Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok of the Lira Diocese has urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith in Jesus Christ while they are still alive, if they wish to see the kingdom of heaven.

The bishop also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation, love, and togetherness shown by the people of Alebtong district, noting that “their accurate faith is demonstrated by their support for all church activities.”

Lino encouraged Christians to remain hopeful and trust in God when facing challenges, adding that no problem is permanent, further reminding the children of God to have confidence even when facing uncertainties such as debts, family conflicts, and difficult decisions.

Bishop Wanok made these statements on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at St. Philomena Akwete Chapel under Abongodyang Parish, Abia sub-county, Moroto County, in Alebtong district. The occasion was the promotion of the Chapel to a Eucharistic Centre.

The ceremony was presided over by the Bishop, who was accompanied by over four priests. The event was held at the new Eucharistic Centre, a significant milestone since the church was established in 1956.

The head of Lira Diocese pledged to continue opening Eucharistic Centres where required, ensuring that the people of God can easily access the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

While preaching, the servant of God encouraged Christians to advise the youth who are addicted to alcohol and marijuana to come to the house of God, reporting that many young people are going mad, while others are dying in their early 30s due to the effects of these substances.

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“Let us guide them on the right path to follow as we advocate for them to continue with their studies, rather than dropping out of school before completing their education,” he said.

During the same event, the Bishop confirmed that about 143 children of God were present and urged them to have faith and determination in their work, following the new step they have reached.

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Moroto County, Leo Elem, was present to witness the event. He appreciated Bishop Wanok for accepting the request of his people, which allowed St. Philomena Akwete Chapel, Abongodyang Parish, to receive the Body of Christ as a Eucharistic Centre.

He noted that this shows Bishop Wanok is doing the needful work that God has sent him to perform on Earth. “I am so delighted to announce that two weeks ago, the Bishop also opened another Eucharistic Centre under Aloi Catholic Parish,” he added.

MP Elem supported the church activities by donating over shs5 million to the choir of Abongodyang Catholic Parish. The money is meant to purchase equipment to improve the standard of their music system and to help run church programs well.

He thanked the Christians of St. Philomena Akwete Eucharistic Centre for their commitment and support towards church activities, especially when advocating for developmental processes.

The MP also requested the Bishop to continue praying for them, particularly for Akwete St. Philomena Eucharistic Centre, for sacrificing their resources to construct a standard church.

He noted that God has listened to their prayers, and on Sunday, September 20, 2026, the church marked a milestone in its history by being upgraded to a Eucharistic Centre, 70 years after it was started.

Elem urged Christians to continue with their faith in following the Lord Jesus Christ, assuring them that, as leaders, they will always stand with them because they have shown a good example that they can be supported without any segregation.

On the other hand, the Alebtong District Woman Member of Parliament and Minister for Youths and Children’s Affairs, Dr Lakisa Mercy, praised Bishop Wanok and all the clergy at the diocese for working together with politicians to see that the children of God are united.

Minister Lakisa used the event to announce that her office has received reports of some people deducting money meant for the Parish Development Model (PDM) from beneficiaries who are supposed to receive shs1 million.

She noted that some leaders are deducting between shs100,000 and shs200,000, leaving beneficiaries with only shs800,000.

“As a minister, we are not going to tolerate this and continue seeing our people in poverty. If you know you have been doing it, please be warned and make sure a beneficiary gets his or her full one million,” she said.

She appealed to the office of the RDC, LC2, Parish Chief, and others behind this corruption to address the issue with immediate effect.