Jubilation as Archbishop Wokorach arrives in Gulu

Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Hundreds of Christians on Thursday thronged St Joseph’s Cathedral in Gulu City to welcome Archbishop Raphael Wokorach p’Mony, as he set foot for the first time since his appointment as the Gulu Metropolitan Archbishop.

Archbishop Wokorach, 63 was appointed by His Holiness Pope Francis on March 22 and replaces Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama who retired after 25 years at the archdiocese.

Two weeks ago, Wokorach received the Pallium, a liturgical vestment symbolizing his authority and unity with the Holy See from the Vatican in Italy paving the way for his installation.

Archbishop Wokorach will be installed as the second Metropolitan Archbishop of Gulu on today at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Gulu City in an event expected to be attended by thousands of Christians.

His journey to the Archdiocese of Gulu ahead of his installation commenced Thursday morning from Nebbi diocese where he held mass and bid farewell to Christians at Immaculate Heart of Mary Nebbi Cathedral in Nebbi Nebbi Municipality.

He later attended a brief prayer at Our Lady of Trust Pakwach Catholic Parish in Pakwach Town Council. on his way, Archbishop Wokorach made numerous stopovers at Parishes where hundreds of Christians waited to welcome him at Anaka Parish, and Kochgoma Town Council in Nwoya District.

In Gulu City, hundreds of Christians welcomed Archbishop Wokorach at Customs Corner in Bardege-Layibi Division where they made a procession and escorted the entourage to St Joseph’s Cathedral, the headquarters of Gulu Archdiocese.

He was received at the official Archbishop’s residence by Archbishop Emeritus Odama and Arua Diocese Bishop Sabino Odoki.

In his brief address to the Christians, Archbishop Wokorach thanked the Christians for the warm reception in Gulu.

He prayed to God to help the Christians to live in peace, and harmony and lauded Archbishop Emeritus Odama for paving a beautiful reception event for him.

There was a beehive of activity at St. Joseph’s Cathedral where the archbishop-elect will be installed. At least 100 million shillings had been budgeted for the installation ceremony which is expected to host some 5,000 people from all walks of life.

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