The newly ordained priests blessing Archbishop Emeritus Dr. John Baptist Odama. Photo by Proscovia Achomo
 
By Proscovia Achomo

Gulu City
 
The Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese, Most Rev Dr. John Baptist Odama, on Saturday August 03, 2024 ordained 6 new priests and 6 deacons from Joseph’s Cathedral Parish Church in Gulu City.

The six newly ordained priests include Fr. Peter Ojara from Kitgum Mission Parish, Fr. Geoffrey Rackara from Pader Town Parish, Fr. Felix Opio Odwong from Kitgum Mission Parish, Fr. Derick Okidi from Pajule Parish, Fr. Emmanuel Okello from Puranga Parish and Fr. Felix Bongomin from Gulu Cathedral Parish. 

The six deacons are Deacon. Allan Felix Torach from Holy Rosary Parish, Deacon. Augustine Oloya from Namukora Parish, Deacon Erick Acellam from Lacor Parish, Deacon. Robert Odong from Paicho Parish, Deacon Geoffrey Rackara from Gulu Cathedral Parish and Deacon. Polycarp Okema from Pajule Parish.

His Grace Dr John Baptist blessing the newly ordained deacons. Photo by Proscovia Achomo

Archbishop emeritus Dr. John Baptist Odama who conferred the order of priesthood and deaconate urged the newly ordained to be men of good reputation because they are representing God who is of very high caliber and that they should be his ambassadors by serving mankind with love and humility. “Your work should be beyond suspicion but always standing for that, show therefore, to all the humankind you are sent to serve the light of God, “He said.

He emphasized the importance of the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience professed by the religious clergy, urging the newly ordained to embrace a simple lifestyle. He also encouraged them to serve God with undivided hearts, remain celibate, and obediently work with Archbishop Raphael P’momy Wokorach since he is their new leader.

Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev Dr. John Baptist Odama poses for a group photo with the newly ordained
clergy. Photo by Proscovia Achomo

Odama also appealed to the newly ordained to hold the ministry of faith with clear conscience by expressing in action what they proclaim by word of mouth.

Rev Fr Erick Justine Uma, the parish Priest Holy Rosary Parish, appealed to Christians to always pray for vocations because the Archdiocese of Gulu has only 85 diocesan priests including the newly ordained ones compared to other dioceses under Gulu Ecclesiastical province.

He implores the younger generation to consider religious life. He also praised the parents and formators of the new priests and deacons for their commitment and efforts.

Ms. Christine Aciro a parent to Fr Peter Ojara representing the parents, advised the new priests and deacons to accept their responsibilities with faith in God, empathize with people in all circumstances without judgment.

Rev. Fr. Felix Bongomin, speaking on behalf of the newly ordained, expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported them spiritually, emotionally and financially. He appealed to the Christians to continue praying for them to help them serve the people of God faithfully, diligently and dedicatedly.