Lira, Uganda | The Catholic Church in Northern Uganda is set to give a solemn and dignified farewell to one of its most devoted servants, Rev. Fr. Ponsiano Okalo, in a three-day celebration of his life and ministry.
The funeral arrangements, unveiled by the Lira Diocesan Secretariat, detail a program designed to reflect the priest’s enduring spiritual legacy and deep connection to the faithful.
According to the schedule, the body will be transferred from Aber Hospital on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, to St. Peter Claver Parish, Ober, where the first Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 PM by Fr. Peter Panya.
This will be followed by a public viewing and catechesis sessions for the Christian community.
In the evening, a second Mass will be presided over by Fr. Vincent Orum, the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator.
An overnight vigil led by the Ober Christian community will provide an opportunity for deep spiritual reflection through prayers, hymns, and scripture.
The following day, Wednesday, July 30, will see the body arrive at Lira Cathedral Parish. A 12:00 PM Mass will be led by Fr. Douglas Ogwal of Bala Parish, and the evening liturgy will be conducted by Fr. Polycarp Opio.
A second overnight vigil will be held, organized by the Lira Cathedral Christian Community, allowing Christians to continue in prayer and meditation.
On Thursday, July 31, the climax of the funeral program will take place with a grand Requiem Mass beginning at 10:00 AM.
The mass will be celebrated by Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, joined by dozens of priests and religious.
Fr. Okalo will be laid to rest at Barogole Cemetery, the designated burial ground for clergy in the Diocese, at 1:00 PM.
Senior officials from the Diocese described the burial as more than a ceremony, calling it a spiritual celebration of a man who lived and breathed his calling.
They emphasized that Fr. Ponsiano was known for his humility, gentleness, and a tireless commitment to his priestly duties.
Parishioners across Lira Diocese remember him as a man who offered comfort to the suffering and unwavering faith to the discouraged.
Reflecting on the funeral theme, diocesan leaders noted that the scripture chosen “Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) perfectly encapsulated the life Fr. Okalo led.
They explained that he labored for Christ and his people and has now been called to eternal rest.
Large crowds from various parishes, neighboring dioceses, religious orders, government officials, and lay Christians are expected to attend.
The Diocese has encouraged all faithful to keep Fr. Ponsiano in their prayers and participate in the funeral activities either in person or through spiritual communion.
