Lira,Uganda | The five-day Divine Mercy Crusade, held from 1 to 5 October 2025 at the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral Ordination Grounds in Lira, ended on a spiritual high with a Holy Mass led by Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese.
The annual event, which drew thousands of pilgrims from across northern Uganda and beyond, focused on prayer, repentance, and the renewal of faith under the theme of God’s mercy.
Participants described the crusade as a life-changing encounter that strengthened their spiritual journey and deepened their devotion to Christ.
In his homily, Bishop Wanok described Divine Mercy Week as a sacred time filled with God’s blessings, urging the faithful to meditate on God’s compassion through the Eucharist.
He explained that the Lord comes to believers in the Eucharist, inviting them to see Him through the bread and wine, where He conceals His full glory so that they may receive Him with reverence.
The Bishop reminded the congregation that true faith must be transformative, noting that God seeks a spark of belief and trust in every heart-faith that allows Him to renew lives.
Drawing from the prophet Habakkuk’s lament about injustice and suffering, Bishop Wanok said the troubles facing the world today-wars, killings, hunger, and division-stem from humanity’s failure to follow God’s will.
He urged the faithful to respond to God’s mercy by becoming instruments of peace, working to soften hardened hearts, heal divisions, and restore harmony within families and communities.
Reflecting on the Gospel, the Bishop encouraged Christians to rediscover the kind of faith that can transform lives and overcome personal weaknesses.
He challenged the faithful to use their faith to overcome anger, evil thoughts, and bad habits, saying that God desires His people to have authority over negativity so that His image may shine through their actions.
As the Church commemorated the Feast of St. Faustina Kowalska, on 5 October, Bishop Wanok highlighted her humility and devotion to prayer, calling on Christians to seek spiritual renewal through the Blessed Sacrament.
He emphasized that the Eucharist remains at the heart of the Catholic identity, representing Christ Himself made present among believers.
Speaking on behalf of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Odwongo, the Curate of Uganda Martyrs Cathedral, expressed appreciation to all pilgrims and participants for their dedication and sacrifice.
He also thanked Bishop Wanok for his pastoral leadership and presence throughout the week.
The event was organised by the Divine Mercy Devotion Team in collaboration with the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral Parish.
It brought together several priests, including Rev. Fr. Moses Owani (Spiritual Director of Divine Mercy), Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Opio (Parish Priest of Uganda Martyrs Cathedral), Rev. Fr. Morris Otyang (Spiritual Director of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal), and Rev. Fr. Paul Okoth from the Archdiocese of Tororo, who served as the main facilitator.
The crusade concluded with calls for continued reflection, prayer, and acts of compassion in daily life.
Many faithful said they were inspired to strengthen their faith and promote peace within their families and communities.
Looking toward future spiritual events, the 2025 Divine Mercy Crusade is being remembered as a profound testament to the strength of faith and the timeless power of God’s mercy to bring hope and unity in a world facing turmoil.
Lira Diocese News Agency
