Bishop Eciru Announces Priestly Transfers, Ushers in New Era During Ordination Ceremony in Obalanga

By Ekou Richard

Obalanga, Kapelebyong District — In a momentous celebration of faith, service, and transformation, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, presided over the ordination of three new priests and one deacon during a spiritually charged ceremony at St. Andrew’s Catholic Parish, Obalanga. The event drew thousands of Christians, clergy, and civic leaders from across the region, marking one of the most vibrant liturgical milestones in the Diocese this year.

As the faithful rejoiced in the blessing of new vocations, Bishop Eciru used the occasion to unveil a significant reshuffle of priestly appointments—introducing both new faces and familiar shepherds into fresh pastoral assignments aimed at strengthening the Church’s mission across the diocese.

New Priestly Assignments

The bishop officially announced the immediate postings of the newly ordained priests, signaling the beginning of their sacred journeys:

Rev. Fr. Gerald Emmanuel Ongodia has been assigned to St. Elizabeth Catholic Parish, Apopong.

Rev. Fr. Denis Egili will serve at St. Benedict Catholic Parish, Amucu.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Odongo’s assignment will be announced shortly.

Deacon Bosco Oumen begins his transitional diaconate under pastoral guidance.

“These young men are not just clergy, but carriers of divine mission. Their hands are now consecrated to bless, to break the Word, and to bring hope,” Bishop Eciru said.

Senior Priests to Spain for Further Studies

Highlighting the Diocese’s commitment to intellectual and theological excellence, Bishop Eciru announced the departure of three senior priests to Spain for advanced studies:

Rev. Fr. Enyasu Cosmas – PhD in Dogmatic Theology.

Rev. Fr. Opio Peter – Advanced studies in Family Studies.

Rev. Fr. Pius Otim (Emusugut) – Further theological studies.

“These priests will return not only with degrees but with deeper insight to guide our people spiritually and morally in a complex world,” noted the bishop.

Key Transfers and New Roles

Among other notable appointments:

Rev. Fr. Geoffrey Opio, formerly of Madera Seminary, is now Acting Bishop’s Secretary, a critical administrative post that supports diocesan coordination.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Eilu will now serve at St. Peter Julian Eymard Proposed Parish, Ogangai.

Rev. Fr. Kalemba Auki has been posted to Mary Mother of Christians Parish, Otuboi, a proposed parish destined to be a beacon of new evangelization.

Rev. Fr. Amoni Robert, who formerly served at Amucu Parish, takes up a central role at Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish (ICCP), Soroti.

Spiritan Fathers, Rev. Fr. Brian and Rev. Fr. Steven, will now serve at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, Opunoi, injecting missionary zeal from their congregation’s rich legacy.

A Call to Total Commitment

In his powerful homily, Bishop Eciru exhorted the newly ordained to devote their entire lives to Christ, calling on them to be true servants, not of status, but of souls.

“Let your priesthood be marked not by comfort, but by sacrifice. Your life now belongs to Christ, and through you, He will be known, loved, and served.”

The bishop praised the newly ordained as “a gift from God to the Church and to society,” urging Christians to pray for them as they begin their sacred duties.

A Spirit-Filled Celebration

The ordination Mass was marked by deep reverence, joyous hymns, and a strong presence of unity among the faithful. Cultural performances, thanksgiving songs, and spontaneous ululations added color to the celebration, symbolizing the joy of the Church in the growth of its priesthood.

As the sun set over Obalanga, a new dawn rose for Soroti Catholic Diocese—one lit by fresh callings, renewed missions, and the unwavering faith of a people determined to walk in the light of Christ.