By Achomo Proscovia

Pader District

Strong wind has blown off the roof of Puranga Catholic parish church building including the roof of old church building. This comes as the Parish prepares for its Golden jubilee celebrations and also the church`s consecration by the Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Gulu, now the Apostolic administrator, Dr. John Baptist Odama.

Jacob Olweny, the deputy chairperson central organizing committee for the consecration of Puranga Parish said this disaster came as a shock because they were eagerly preparing to welcome Archbishop Emeritus His Grace Dr John Baptist Odama to the parish to bless their church. "This has come as a big shock to us, we are left with very few days to the consecration and also the Golden jubilee celebrations, " he remarked. "Despite this damaged, we are going on with the preparations for the program for the golden jubilee celebrations," Mr. Olweny added.

Rev.Fr. Peter Ayella Kizito, the Parish Priest of Puranga catholic parish said the timing of this incident is even more painful since the parish had already spent resources and time for the consecration scheduled for Sunday 12th May, 2024 which will not happen now. "This is really a terrible occurrence on our side at this time when we have already used a lot of resources in line with the planned consecration of the church building as well as the Golden Jubilee celebrations, " Fr.Ayella stressed.

However, FR. Ayella confirmed that the Archbishop Emeritus, the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Gulu, His Grace DR John Baptist Odama sympathized with them following the disaster, adding that Golden jubilee celebrations scheduled for this Sunday, 12^th May, 2024 will still go on despite of the setback.

Fr Peter concluded by acknowledging, the Christians, the clergy and religious men and women for empathizing with them during this tormenting time as he appeals for support of any kind from the well-wishers and people of goodwill.

 
The old church building of Puranga Parish that was also destroyed by the strong wind.

Engineer Vincent Rachkara, who assessed the extent of the destruction at the site reveled that the destruction occurred as a result of shoddy work.

COVER PHOTO: Parishioners looking at the wrecked roof of the church building of Puranga catholic Parish that was supposed to be consecrated on Sunday. By Achomo Proscovia