L-R Fr. Tonino Pasolini, Bishop Sabino Ochan Odoki and Msgr Charles Idraku during celebration of their anniversary mass

By Morish Dramadri

Arua

Messages of thanksgiving and congratulations dominated the priestly anniversary celebration of the two priests Fr. Tonino Pasolini and Mgsr. Charles Idraku on Tuesday 19^th March 2024 in a mass presided over by Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, the Bishop ordinary of Arua diocese at the diocesan media Centre, Radio Pacis.

In this anniversary, the two priests serving at Arua diocese media center, Fr. Tonino Pasolini the diocesan communication secretary marked 60 years in priesthood and 85^th birthday while Msgr. Charles the director of Radio Pacis marked 25 years in priesthood.

Rt. Rev Sabino Ocan Odoki, the bishop ordinary of Arua dioceses lauded the jubilarians Fr. Tonino and Msgr. Charles for their transparent service. “am always happy, most times when Radio Pacis is applying for help, most of the time the answer is positive, when I  reach some the answer is negative but many times for the communications department, they are coming back very positively and I smile” Bishop Odoki noted.

While paying tribute to Fr. Tonino, Rev. Fr. Pius Yobuta the chairman of the association of the priests in Arua diocese described Fr. Tonino as a dedicated and developmental servant. “Fr. Tonino you are one of those who have contributed a lot in this diocese, I think God wanted you more Tonino to contribute in this diocese, I congratulate you and praise you for working very hard on the word of God,” Fr. Yobuta acknowledged


Fr. Tonino introducing his sister Brunna who
travelled from Italy to attend the anniversary

Among the dignitaries present were; jubilarian Fr. Peter Cozza, MCCJ and Fr. Gabriele Durigon, MCCJ all working in Layibi and classmates to Fr. Tonino all celebrating 60 years in priesthood. 

Fr. Tonino Pasolini, now one of the longest serving priests in the diocese of Arua in his anniversary message said “year after year during the Chrism mass there is the special gospel, the symbolic action that Jesus has done, the washing of the feet, I did not understand that 60years ago, I thought I knew everything. After 60years, I feel the joy in my life and I think that it is because I am struggling to put into practice this washing of the feet.” Fr. Tonino confirmed.

Similarly, Msgr. Charles Idraku attributed this achievement to his enthusiasm, “working with people in different places has shaped me and made me what I am today, I can be able to work anywhere whatever service am given, it is because that is what I should be as a priest and it has helped me throughout this journey.” Msgr. Charles revealed.


Msgr. Charles Idraku with some of the guests and family members after the function

Born on 19^th march 1939, Fr. Tonino Pasolini a Comboni missionary, MCCJ was ordained a priest in 1964 and Msgr. Charles Idraku a member of Missionaries of Jesus the Devine Master, MIDM in August 1999.