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Archbishop Emeritus His Grace Dr. John Baptist Odama blessing a child during the memorial prayer By Odong Stephen The Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. John Baptist Odama, has praised Blessed Fr. Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli for dedicating his lif
Archbishop Emeritus His Grace Dr. John Baptist Odama blessing a child during the memorial prayer
By Odong Stephen
The Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. John Baptist Odama, has praised Blessed Fr. Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli for dedicating his life to serving the people of Acholi and beyond through healthcare, education, and evangelization without discrimination based on religion, culture, or tribe.
He made the remarks on Friday, 31 July 2026, while delivering the homily during the Fourth Blessed Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli Memorial Prayer held at Kalongo Catholic Parish in Agago District.
Archbishop Odama said the annual memorial is an opportunity to thank God for the gift of Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli and to reflect on his life of selfless service.
“We have gathered to honour and praise God for the wonderful things He did through the life of Blessed Fr. Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli. He served here for more than 30 years and dedicated his life to the people. Many of our ancestors witnessed and benefited from his work, and that is why he remains a great blessing to all of us.”
The archbishop noted that Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli began medical services in Kalongo with a small dispensary, which later grew into today’s Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital. He also established the Kalongo School of Midwifery, whose graduates continue to serve in health facilities across Uganda.
He further recalled that Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli founded a centre for people affected by leprosy at Alito and in Morulem, he extended medical and pastoral services to communities in other areas. Besides treating the sick, he visited families, preached the Gospel, prayed with people, and cared for both their physical and spiritual well-being.
Archbishop Odama described Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli as a doctor whose faith guided his medical practice.
“Before going to the hospital, he always entered the church to pray. He often reminded fellow doctors that it is God who heals the sick through us. Life comes from God, and it is God who restores life.”
He urged Christians to continue praying through the intercession of Blessed Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli, Blessed Daudi Okello, and Blessed Jildo Irwa, encouraging believers to report any miracles attributed to them to Church authorities so they can be investigated and forwarded to Rome as part of the canonization process.
“They are now at the third stage. Only one stage remains before they can be declared saints. Continue praying and report any genuine miracles.”
The archbishop also challenged Christians to imitate Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli’s example of love, mercy, humility, unity, and service to all people regardless of their background.
“We are one human family. Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli came from Italy to serve the people of Acholi without discrimination. His life should inspire us to love one another and work together.”
`Kalongo catholic parish during the 4th anniversary celebration
Leaders Praise Ambrosoli’s Legacy
The Minister for Northern Uganda and Woman Member of Parliament for Agago District, Hon. Beatrice Akello Akori, described the memorial prayer as an important occasion for Agago, Northern Uganda, and the entire country.
“He served here throughout his lifetime, and that is why this day is so important. I thank the people of Agago and everyone who travelled from different districts to join us in remembering the good work Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli accomplished.”
The Parish Priest of Kalongo Catholic Parish, Fr. Labite Komi Mate Anicet, thanked the organising committee, institutions, and individuals whose support made the fourth memorial celebration successful.
He said Blessed Dr. Ambrosoli continues to intercede for the people from heaven and announced that Kalongo Parish has dedicated the last Saturday of every month as a special day of prayer through his intercession.
“Whenever you are burdened by life’s challenges, ask for his intercession. He understands our struggles and continues praying for us before God.”
Minister for Northern Uganda Beatrice Akello Akori interacting with MP Agago County
Christians Urged to Support Shrine Construction
Fr. Labite appealed to Christians, institutions, and well-wishers to continue supporting the construction of the Blessed Fr. Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli Shrine and the expansion of facilities to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims attending the annual memorial prayer.
He said the shrine is being developed in collaboration with the Archdiocese and the Comboni Missionaries and will become a permanent place of pilgrimage and prayer.
“Do not wait until the next celebration to support this project. You can contribute whenever you visit Kalongo. Every contribution will be acknowledged, and you will become part of a lasting legacy.”
Leaders Make Contributions
The area MP Agago North Hon Benson Lugwa speaking to the crowd as the minister look at him
Leaders led the fundraising drive by fulfilling earlier pledges and making fresh contributions.
Hon. Beatrice Akello Akori fulfilled her previous pledge with a cash contribution of UGX 2 million and announced an additional UGX 5 million from her ministry.
“Last year I pledged 100 chairs. Instead, I have fulfilled that pledge with UGX 2 million in cash. As Minister for Northern Uganda and a daughter of Agago, my office is also contributing UGX 5 million towards the construction of the shrine.”
Agago North MP Hon. Benson Lugwa fulfilled his earlier pledge of ten bags of cement by contributing UGX 1 million in cash and added another UGX 5 million towards the project.
“I ask God to forgive me for delaying to fulfil my pledge. Instead of the ten bags of cement I promised, I am contributing UGX 1 million in cash. Since this is my constituency, I am also adding UGX 5 million to support this important project.”
Agago County MP Hon. Edward Makot Otoo contributed UGX 1 million and pledged continued financial support towards the construction of the shrine and a permanent shelter to protect pilgrims from sun and rain during future memorial prayers.
Meanwhile, Agago Deputy Resident Commissioner Morrish Ocana called for honesty and accountability in managing funds raised for the project.
“I am pledging UGX 500,000 to support this development. I appeal to everyone to handle the funds with honesty and integrity, ensuring that every contribution is used for its intended purpose. This will encourage more people to continue supporting the project.”
Dr. Godfrey Okot Smart, Chief Executive Officer of Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital and this year’s lead organiser, said the people of Agago are fully committed to completing the shrine. He also supported the Deputy RDC’s call for transparency, emphasizing that all funds contributed by the public must be properly accounted for and used as intended.
Maj. Galdino Odong, the Agago District Coordinator for Operation Wealth Creation, pledged to donate 100 plastic chairs within the coming days to help address the shortage of seating during the annual memorial celebrations, noting that the organising committee spends significant resources hiring chairs and tents each year.
By the close of the fundraising event, more than UGX 20 million had been raised in cash and pledges. In addition, over 200 chairs and several bags of cement were donated to support the construction of the Blessed Fr. Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli Shrine and the expansion of facilities at Kalongo Catholic Parish.
This year’s memorial prayer was celebrated under the theme: “Serve with Love and Humanity.”