The Camillian Mission in Uganda celebrated with great joy the ordination of Rev. Fr. Isaac Ojok. He was ordained on 1^st August, 2024 during the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rt. Rev.  Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of Lira Catholic Diocese at the Ordination ground of Lira Diocese.  Fr. Ojok is the fifth Ugandan Camillian priest. On that day, he joined the presbyterate with one religious and two diocesan priests. The celebration was coloured with warmth and jubilation, as the Camillian fraternity and the church in Lira Diocese welcomed the new spiritual leaders.

In his homily, the Bishop encouraged the candidates to embrace the ministry with love and to be conscious of the dynamics of the contemporary world. The Bishop said, “God wants order, the world wants disorder; God wants life, the world wants death; God wants unity, the world wants disunity so that they can rule the hearts of humanity. Your call is to be the light in the darkness of the world. Make people see the light of Christ.” Later, other speakers congratulated the newly ordained priests and gave them an assurance of support in the ministry in addition to other messages of advice. The Chancellor of Lira Diocese, Fr. Emmanuel Opio urged the newly ordained to be obedient and accountable priests; and never to account to themselves, but to their superiors. In his message, Fr. Ojok expressed his gratitude to God for the gift of priesthood, and the love of all who have supported him during the formation. He further requested the people of God to pray for them, and to pray for more priests.

The following day, Fr. Ojok celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass at his parents’ home in Lira Cathedral Parish. He also witnessed the wedding of Nancy and Aron, a young and energetic couple.   It was a joyous celebration marked by a sense of gratitude to God for calling Fr. Ojok, who reaffirmed his commitment to serve the Lord in the Ministry to the sick. Fr. Joseph Ogwal, the Pastoral Coordinator of Lira Diocese and preacher of the day commended Fr. Ojok for his perseverance and exhorted him to embrace unity in diversity. He also elaborated the relationship and connection between the sacrament of matrimony and the sacrament of Holy Orders as sacraments of service.  Both celebrations were attended by the Camillian religious and those in formation. The mission Superior, Rev. Fr. Babychan MI, exhorted Fr. Ojok, “Endeavour to be a holy priest.  If you cultivate a strong relationship with God, He will be with you and people will come to you.” As the Ugandan mission celebrates 25 years of its mission, the Ordination of Fr. Ojok Isaac comes as a special blessing.

Fr. Isaac Ojok now embarks on his lifelong journey of service surrounded by love and support of the Camillian community.

Gyaviira Matovu MI