"We Are the Martyrs of Our Time," Says Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki
Bishop Sabino tells the faithful that persecution is a sign of true Christian witness.
Chrism Mass 2026 -
Bishop Sabino tells the faithful that persecution is a sign of true Christian witness.
This was during the 2026 Chrism Mass at Ediofe Catholic Cathedral, Arua, where he called on
to the Christians not to be surprised if controversies arise whenever good is done while
standing as witnesses of Christ. "If we are being persecuted for doing good, it means we
are the martyrs of our time." Said the Bishop
He made these remarks following his address on recent controversies surrounding the burial
of the late Rev. Fr. Angelo Matua, expressing distress over distorted information.
He reminded the faithful that funerals are sacred spaces for mourning and solidarity,
not for airing grievances, and called for repentance among those who disrupted the ceremony.
"I pray that we repent. A funeral is not a place to speak ill or air grievances; it is a place
for mourning and showing solidarity with the affected people in this case the family, the Diocese...
A funeral is not for expressing frustration, as some did. If you have frustrations, seek
counseling or look for help. If you have a problem with someone, go to them directly.
When you need assistance, approach the person who can help you. To those who contributed
to ensuring a decent burial, thank you. And to those who tried to disrupt it, we pray
that you repent." he stressed.
Amid applause, Bishop highlighted the Diocese's growth: Arua is now Uganda's largest
diocese, with over 2.6 million Catholics, a strong clergy, and a fully enrolled Minor
Seminary. He recalled the Holy See's praise for the Diocese's evangelization efforts
through Cardinal Antonio Tagle who appreciated the efforts of the Diocese, and noted
that it is progressing toward establishing its own major seminary, with
consultations completed, to train more priests locally.
Honoring Late Rev.Fr. Angelo Matua, the Bishop acknowledged his contributions,
including overseeing the construction of the largest church in Diocese of Arua,
now at the roofing stage. He thanked doctors, religious, priests, family members,
and friends for their efforts in saving his life and ensuring a befitting burial.
The Bishop conveyed greetings and blessings from the Holy Father Pope Leo, who
expressed deep admiration for Uganda as the land of martyrs during the recent ad
limina visit of the Catholic Bishops of Uganda to the Holy See in Rome.
"I bring you greetings from the Holy Father, Pope Leo. All the bishops of Uganda
were present, except Jinja, and the Pope greatly admired our country. He shared
something surprising that before his election, he had passed through Uganda. After
visiting his Augustinian community (OSA) in Kenya, he had a connecting flight through
Entebbe. Due to a delay, he briefly moved around Uganda, then returned to Europe where
he was elected Pope. I believe he received blessings from Uganda. He praised Uganda
as the land of the martyrs, reminding us that the blood of martyrs is the seed of
Christianity. Our faith continues to grow through their sacrifice, and today we priests,
religious, and all Christians are called to be the martyrs of our time, not to persecute
one another."
Bishop Sabino underscored the importance of Chrism oil, describing it as "the oil of Christ"
that strengthens both priests and lay Christians. He explained that it equips believers to
witness and defend the faith, while empowering priests and bishops to lead, guide, teach,
and serve the Church faithfully. He encouraged the faithful to use the Chrism celebration
to renew their commitment, and reminded priests that their mission is to teach, correct
errors, govern the community, and sanctify the people of God, emphasizing mutual support
and unity within the diocese.
