Ojok Robert Mone

Agago

Preparations for the 1^st historic anniversary prayer commemorating Beatification of Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli is taking center stage in Kalongo Town council-Agago District.

The parish Priest of Kalongo Rev. Fr. Ramon Vargas says beatification of Blessed Joseph Ambrossoli is still held with high esteem by the faithful. “Novena prayers are on-going in Arua Diocese, Pajule and surrounding parishes to strengthen the faith of the believers, a committee has been established to receive the pilgrims” Fr. Ramon added.

Fr. Ramon revealed that pilgrims can as well go and pray from the main church where the relics of Dr. Ambrosoli has been put also in a room where some of his belongings have been put.    

Robert Obwana, a parishioner in Kalongo who is a choir member said this historic event is worth attending because it’s an opportunity to practice faith and try to emulate the life of Ambrosoli.

The first priest from Kalongo catholic parish Rev. Fr Samuel Mwaka Okidi the communication secretary of Gulu Archdiocese who was the altar server of Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli reveals that his priestly vocation was shaped by Blessed Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli by admiring his simple and prayerful lifestyles. “I feel very happy because I lived with a Holy man who attracted me into the priestly vocation”, Fr. Samuel Mwaka said.
 
 
The Archbishop of Gulu Dr. John Baptist Odama is still moved by the enthusiasm that Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli had to willingly accept to live in the war-torn northern Uganda especially in Kalongo, a place bordering Karamoja sub region today. “All people going to Kalongo shall make pilgrimage, there is no special invitation for any person”, the archbishop said.  

So far, pilgrims from Kampala Archdiocese, Nebbi, Moroto, Lira Dioceses have confirmed taking part in the 1^st anniversary prayer. The bishop of Nebbi Catholic diocese Rt. Reverend Raphael Wokorach P’Omony is expected to preside over the festival.
   
Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli a Comboni missionary died on 27^th March 1987 at the age of 63 in Lira district and he was beatified on 20th November 2022 from Kalongo.

The Vatican approved 28^th July every year as his feast day.

COVER PHOTO: Statue of Blessed Ambrosoli at St. John Paul II College-Gulu Ojok Robert Mone