Dokolo, Uganda | The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima was marked with jubilation in Lira Diocese on May 13, 2025, as Agwata Sub-Parish was officially elevated to a full Parish, now named Our Lady of Fatima – Agwata Parish. The establishment brings the total number of Parishes in the Diocese to 29.
The milestone coincided with the liturgical commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s first apparition to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, on May 13, 1917 a day that holds deep spiritual significance for the Catholic Church worldwide.
Presiding over the celebration, the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, announced that Agwata had met all canonical and pastoral requirements for elevation to a territorial parish.
The newly created Parish comprises six zones and 31 chapels spread across the Adok, Adwoki, Amudat, Ajuk, Amunamun, and Bardyang zones.
Bishop Wanok declared Our Lady of Fatima – Agwata Parish as the diocesan reference point for devotion to the Holy Rosary, emphasizing that the Rosary is a powerful weapon against life’s challenges.
He urged Christians to turn to prayer and resist the temptation of seeking healing from witchdoctors or unorthodox religious figures.
He called on the faithful to embrace the spiritual renewal that comes with the Parish’s establishment, particularly through the Sacraments of Baptism, the Eucharist, and Holy Matrimony.
He reiterated the Church’s position that Holy Matrimony, as a sacrament between a man and a woman, remains distinct from cultural or traditional unions.
In his pastoral message, Bishop Wanok highlighted the importance of unity and obedience within the Church structure.
He reminded the congregation of the hierarchical flow of spiritual leadership – “I listen to the Pope, the priests listen to me, and the catechists listen to the priests” – urging all believers to listen to the Word of God through their local Church leaders.
The new parish is expected to serve as a spiritual beacon not only for the faithful in Agwata but for the entire Diocese of Lira, offering increased access to sacraments and fostering deeper community engagement in Church life.
Original Story: Lira Diocese News Agency
