Soroti Catholic Diocese Postpones Catechists’ Pilgrimage to Paimol Due to Heavy Rains

Soroti Catholic Diocese Postpones Catechists’ Pilgrimage to Paimol Due to Heavy Rains

The Soroti Catholic Diocese has announced the postponement of the much anticipated pilgrimage of catechists to Paimol, citing heavy rains and flooding that have made the roads to the site impassable.

The pilgrimage which was scheduled to take place next week, will now be held at a later date to be communicated by the diocesan leadership.

In an official communication from the Desk of Catechists, the Diocesan Catechists’ Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Daniel Moses Oreet (DCC), revealed that the decision was reached after careful consultation with the Office of the Pastoral Coordinator and with the approval of His Lordship, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese.

“After consultation with the Office of the Pastoral Coordinator and with the Bishop’s approval, the planned pilgrimage to Paimol next week has been postponed to a later date to be communicated,” Fr. Oreet stated.

He further explained that the decision was primarily influenced by the persistent heavy rains that have resulted in flooding across several parts of the region, making access to the holy site extremely difficult. “The floods have made reaching Paimol very hard. The safety and welfare of our catechists and pilgrims remain our top priority,” he emphasized.

The pilgrimage, which draws catechists and Christians from the Deaneries of Katakwi, Toroma, Wera, Acumet and Amuria, is a key spiritual event in the diocesan calendar. It serves as a time for renewal, prayer and reflection for the catechists who play a crucial role in nurturing the faith at the grassroots level.

While the pilgrimage has been put on hold, Fr. Oreet urged all deaneries to continue with their preparations and maintain spiritual readiness. He expressed optimism that once the weather improves and the roads become passable, the pilgrimage will proceed as planned.

“Preparations should continue because as soon as the roads open, the pilgrimage will take place. We count on your usual cooperation,” he added.

The message of patience and unity was echoed by several catechists who expressed understanding of the situation. Many noted that while the postponement was disappointing, the decision reflects the Church’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its members.

The Paimol Pilgrimage is an annual spiritual journey undertaken by Catholic faithful to honor the Ugandan Martyrs of Paimol, Blessed Daudi Okelo and Jildo Irwa. These two young catechists from Northern Uganda were martyred in 1918 for their unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the Gospel. They were beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2002, and their story continues to inspire catechists and Christians across the country.

For the catechists of Soroti Diocese, the pilgrimage to Paimol is not only a journey of faith but also an opportunity to draw inspiration from the example of the young martyrs. It reinforces the values of sacrifice, commitment, and perseverance in the service of the Church.

The Teso sub-region has experienced heavy rainfall over recent weeks, leading to widespread flooding that has disrupted transportation, agriculture and daily activities. Roads connecting rural areas to major centers have become muddy and slippery, while bridges and culverts in some areas have been washed away.

In his closing remarks, Fr. Oreet encouraged the faithful not to lose hope but to continue praying for favorable weather and for all those affected by the floods. He reminded the catechists that the pilgrimage, whenever it takes place, will still hold its spiritual significance.

“Let us continue to pray together and remain steadfast in faith. The delay does not diminish the grace of the pilgrimage; it only gives us more time to prepare spiritually,” he concluded.

The diocesan community now awaits further communication from the Pastoral Coordinator’s office regarding the new date for the pilgrimage. Meanwhile, catechists and the faithful have been urged to maintain their spirit of unity, cooperation, and prayer as they look forward to the blessed journey to Paimol.