Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki Urges Christians to Celebrate Easter with Faith, Family, and Charity.
Arua, Uganda - As Christians across the globe prepare to mark the Easter season, Bishop Sabino
Ocan Odoki of Arua Diocese has called on the faithful to begin their celebrations with mass and
continue the festivities with their families in a spirit of prayer and unity.
"Start the Easter celebration with Mass, go home and celebrate with your family," Bishop Sabino
urged during his Easter message delivered at a press briefing. He encouraged Christians to make
the season not just a time of joy, but also a reflection of love, sacrifice, and gratitude for
the blessings received throughout Lent.
The Bishop thanked all Christians across the diocese for their sacrifices during the 40 days of fasting, prayer, and works of charity. "Once again we have reached the Holy Week, marking the end of our Lenten season. I want to thank you very much for the sacrifices and perseverance you have shown through these 40 days-praying, fasting, and performing acts of charity. Thank you for expressing the love of God and love for one another. This is what is demanded of us as Christians. I ask God to bless you for all you have done," he said.
While reading out the Holy Week program, Bishop Sabino emphasized key events for the faithful
to observe:
- Wednesday: Chrism Mass at Ediofe Cathedral starting at 10:00 a.m., where priests from across
the diocese will renew their priestly vows.
- Holy Thursday: Celebration of the Last Supper Mass in all parishes, chapels, and zones.
- Good Friday:Veneration of the Cross in all churches, with special collections to support
the Church in the Holy Land.
The Bishop made a passionate appeal for generous donations on Good Friday, citing a special
request from the Holy See to support the people and churches in the Holy Land, especially in
light of the ongoing war in Gaza and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I want to remind you that on Good Friday, we make collections to support the Church in the Holy
Land. The Holy Father has asked all dioceses worldwide to contribute more generously this year,"
Bishop Sabino explained. "Last year, through the collective effort of our parishes, Arua Diocese
contributed 10 million shillings. We hope to double that amount this year."
The Bishop also reminded the faithful that this year's Easter celebration falls within the Jubilee
Year 2025, with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope."
"Despite all odds, sufferings, and the evil in the world today, let us remain strong and hopeful. With
God, all these trials will come to pass. May this Easter celebration strengthen our hope for a better society,
a better world, and eternal life," he said. "Please, celebrate Easter start with Mass and go home to celebrate
with your friends and family."
Addressing the clergy, Bishop Sabino called for spiritual renewal as they prepare to renew their priestly commitments
during the Chrism Mass.
"Our preparation as Christians starts with prayer listening to the Word of God, celebrating the sacraments, and
meditating on the gift of life. Prayer also strengthens our unity as Christians and our relationship with others,"
the Bishop emphasized.
He commended the clergy for their dedication: "I've visited several parishes, and I've seen how busy the priests are
working with the Christians. Let us continue collaborating and strengthening our faith."
