Soroti Diocese bishop consecrated

Soroti. Ululations filled the air and tears of joy flowed as thousands of Christians braved the scorching sun to witness the consecration of Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach of Soroti Catholic Diocese at the weekend.
The multitudes of people, including clergy from across the country, thronged Fr Hilders Consecration Grounds in Soroti District as Bishop Eciru, 49, became the third overseer of the diocese.
Archbishop of Tororo Diocese Emmanuel Obbo has been the caretaker of the diocese for five years.
The Vice President, Mr Edward Ssekandi, represented President Museveni at the function.

The choir drawn from all parishes in the diocese sang as the faithful chorused along while politicians took to the grounds to dance, only to be denied space for speeches.
Bishop Eciru expressed gratitude for being entrusted to lead the diocese before 50 years of age, saying it was a sign of trust and challenge.

“Soroti Catholic Diocese has a shepherd after five years of gestation, the Lord has answered the call of his people. I thank Pope Francis for putting his trust in me. I pray I do not betray the trust,” he said.
Bishop Eciru also thanked clergy, including the newly appointed Nuncio to Uganda, Luigi Bianco for accepting to be the co-consecrator and others for nurturing him.

“I thank Bishop Eramus Wandera who admitted me to major seminary, ordained me a deacon and sent me to Rome for further studies, I thank Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo for growing us,” he said.
Bishop Eciru warned that he will not bend the doctrine for the sake of people who know him, adding that those who attempt to force him to do so will not escape his whip.
While giving his remarks as the principle consecrator, Archbishop Obbo urged Christians to support Bishop Eciru.

Appeal
“I have confidence, faith and trust that the new bishop who has been your son, brother and son of the soil will deliver, so what you need to do is to love and support him,” he said.
Archbishop Obbo advised Bishop Eciru to always listen to the Holy Spirit so that he can be able to lead his flock in the right direction.
He also asked Bishop Eciru to guide, support, correct and love the faithful. Bishop Acquirino Francis Kibira Araali of Kasese Diocese said the presence of other overseers was a reflection of unity in the church.

Present were Archbishop John Baptist Odama of Gulu, bishops from Moroto, Kotido and Hoima dioceses, among others.
Mr Ssekandi urged Bishop Eciru to take responsibility of leading his flock since God had chosen him.
“I am glad you have received an able man of God to lead you,” the vice president told the faithful.
He handed over a vehicle from the President to Bishop Eciru.
State House also donated Shs100m towards the organisation of the function, another Shs100m for upkeep of the new bishop and Shs10m from NRM secretariat for renovation of his home.

About bishop eciru
Born in 1970, Bishop Eciru is the last born in the family of eight. He attended St Aloysius Demonstration Primary School before joining St Peters Seminary Madera, Soroti, and later St Pius X Seminary Nagongera, Tororo.
He also attended his Philosophicum at St Thomas Aquinas National Seminary Katigondo, Masaka, at Theologicum at St Paul National Seminary Kinyamasika, Fort-Portal.

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