Soroti Christians walk for Pope’s visit

The lack of a resident bishop in Soroti Catholic Diocese is hindering preparations to celebrate Pope Francis’ visit to Uganda in the region.

This was disclosed last Saturday by the Rev Fr Simon Peter Wancha of St Patrick Madera Parish in Soroti Catholic Diocese while praying for hundreds of Christians that participated in a charity walk spearheaded by Etop Radio to raise funds for the rehabilitation of Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.

Fr Wancha highlighted that despite this gap, Christians should strive to organise and celebrate the Pope’s visit.

He lauded the media for spearheading the fundraising drive and keeping Christians abreast with the Pope’s coming.

Pope Francis appointed the Bishop of Soroti, Emmanuel Obbo, as the new Archbishop of Tororo Archdiocese. Archbishop Obbo, 61 replaced Archbishop Joseph Kiwanuka Lote, whose retirement was accepted by Pope Francis upon reaching 75 years.

The Pope also appointed Bishop Obbo to work as the Apostolic Administrator for the vacant seat of Soroti Catholic Diocese, while operating from Tororo, an appointment that most Christians feel has detached them from the bishop.

The chief walker in Soroti Catholic Diocese, Sr Mary Pauline Namirimu, told Daily Monitor that they are very happy about the Pope’s coming , “saying it’s a blessing to the country” after Pope John Paul II visited Uganda in 1993 and particularly visited Soroti Catholic Diocese.

The Monitor

UM– USEKE.RW