Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul
Pokea Seminary, -
On June 29, 2025, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul;
two of the most influential apostles and foundational pillars of the Church.
The day also marked a momentous occasion for St. Peter and Paul Pokea Seminary,
whose patron saints are Peter and Paul. The celebration called on the entire
seminary community to thank God for His blessings and guidance.
The event was graced by the Bishop of Arua Diocese, who served as the main celebrant.
In his homily, Bishop Sabino expressed his gratitude to the seminarians for responding
to God's call to serve in His vineyard.
"I welcome all of you to this Jubilee Year celebration, a year specially dedicated to our seminarians.
We pray that the Lord may guide them on their journey so that they may
become like St. Peter and St. Paul, firm in faith and selfless in service," He said.
The Bishop shared comparisons with other parts of the world, citing that in Germany;
a country with over 80 million people, only 16 deacons are expected to be ordained
this year 2025, whereas Uganda consistently sees between 200 and 300 ordinations
annually. Arua Diocese alone will ordain 11 deacons this year, some of whom were
present at the celebration.
"Parents, don't fear encouraging your children to join the priesthood. The Church
is not just local, it is universal. We have already sent two missionaries from Arua
Diocese to Germany and are preparing to send two more to the Netherlands," he added.
Reflecting on the lives of Saints Peter and Paul, Bishop Sabino reminded the faithful
that sanctity is not about perfection but persistence. "St. Augustine defined a saint
as a sinner who keeps trying. Both Peter and Paul were far from perfect, yet they
faithfully responded to God's call. Peter, though a successful fisherman and a man
of enterprise, was at times fearful and unsure. Paul persecuted Christians before his
life was radically transformed by God's grace."
Bishop Sabino also brought greetings from the Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev.
Constantine Rupiny, who couldn't attend as he was celebrating the same feast in a parish
dedicated to the apostles.
He shared insights from his recent two-week visit to Germany, where he visited the
Archdiocese of Paderborn and the Diocese of Munster among others. He conveyed warm
greetings from the bishops and clergy he met, including Bishop Felix Genn (retired)
Bishop reminded the seminarians and faithful that Christian ministry often
involves suffering, just as the apostles endured persecution, imprisonment, and even
martyrdom. However, he affirmed that God remains faithful and rewards perseverance.
"St. Paul looked at his life as a libation poured out for Christ. He had fought the
good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Let us do the same, parents, offer
yourselves for your children's formation, and children, remain faithful."
He urged seminarians to deepen their relationship with Christ, just as Peter recognized
Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. It was this deep faith that led Jesus
to rename Simon as Peter - the rock upon which the Church is built and entrust him with
the keys of the Kingdom.
