Sixteen Catechists Commissioned for the Mission of Evangelization in Arua Diocese:
Arua Diocese -
The Diocese of Arua joyfully witnessed the commissioning of 16 catechists who were officially sent out to preach the Word of
God and serve the Catholic Church. The ceremony took place yesterday at Lodonga Minor Basilica during a solemn Mass presided over
by His Lordship Sabino Ocan Odoki, Bishop of Arua Diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Sabino expressed deep gratitude to the catechists for offering themselves to the service of God. He praised
their dedicated work in the Church teaching the faith, preparing Christians for the Sacraments, visiting the sick, and guiding communities
in their spiritual growth. He reminded the faithful that every Catholic passes through the hands of a catechist at some point in their journey of faith.
The Bishop also thanked the spouses and families of the catechists for supporting them throughout their two-year residential
training at the Lodonga Catechetical Training Centre, part of Lodonga SPACE (Spiritual Pastoral Centre). He acknowledged their
sacrifices and partnership in the mission of the Church.
Bishop Sabino described the ministry of a catechist as a very special vocation and encouraged the newly commissioned catechists
to be living examples of faith, saying that "the life of a catechist is itself a teaching."
He added:
"God has chosen you for this special mission to be evangelizers, proclaimers of the Word of God, and instruments of His grace.
For two years you have been away for formation. Now I send you back to your families and your parishes, where you will use the
gifts of the Holy Spirit for the service of the community."
The Bishop noted that many priests and religious men and women are children of catechists, and that all Catholics including
bishops and priests receive their early formation from catechists. He shared that he himself was prepared by a catechist,
showing how vital this ministry is to the life of the Church.
Lodonga SPACE (Spiritual Pastoral Centre) hosts both the Pastoral Training Centre and the Cenacle Retreat House.
Established in 1992 near Lodonga Basilica, the Pastoral Training Centre offers a comprehensive two-year formation program
for catechists and other lay leaders. The Cenacle Retreat House, opened in 1999, provides facilities for retreats, including
accommodation, a dining hall, chapel, and meeting rooms for diocesan and visiting groups.
