Bishop asks girls to stay away from priests

Lira, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of Lira Catholic Diocese has warned young girls to stay away from clerics especially priests and stop looking at them as marriage material.

Speaking at the ordination of one priest and five deacons at a scientific event inside Lira Cathedral chapel on Wednesday, Bishop Wanok described whoever seduces an ordained person as Judas Iscariot.

He said a number of good priests and other clerics are tempted by young girls who admire them and end up destroying them.

He asked young girls to let the men of God do the work they are ordained to do.

Bishop Wanok also urged parents to release the newly ordained priest and deacons from responsibilities, saying there is no salary in priesthood.

Those ordained include Haron Okello, who became a priest while Rogers Okello, Emmanuel Opio Etam, Moses Edyomu, Douglas Ogwal and Isaac Ojok became deacons.

The candidates took their religious vows of celibacy, chastity, poverty and obedience and vowed to follow the rule of life of the institute to which they belong.

“Today, I therefore urge your parents and the whole flock of Lira Diocese to let you free to carry this cross without any hindrance, for Christ, must reign,” Bishop Wanok said.

To ensure that they start working, the newly ordained clerics were posted to different parishes and are expected to report immediately.

Rev Fr. Valente Opio, the Vicar General of Lira diocese advised the newly ordained clerics to never forget to pray.

“Never forget to pray and work. By ordination, you are better placed now to pray better. My brothers, let us strive always to remain with the cross of Jesus for it is easy and he gives us the strength to carry,” he said.

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URN