HOLY FAMILY CHAPEL PAMINANO GETS A EUCHARISTIC CENTRE

Archbishop Rapheal while consecrating the altar. Photo by Proscovia Achomo

By Proscovia Achomo

Gulu

Holy Family Chapel Paminano, under Immaculate Heart of Mary Lacor Parish in Gulu Archdiocese has been given a Eucharistic centre status after getting the first ever church building since its creation in the early 1900s.

The more than 650 parishioners of this chapel have been praying sometimes in a classroom as well as under tree shade.
 
During the ceremony to consecrate the new church building and also establish a Eucharistic entre, the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gulu, Most Reverend Raphael P`Mony Wokorach emphasized the significance of taking good care of the church, which is now hosting the body of “Christ”, where he also extended an invitation to those with impediments to work on them in order to be in full communion with the body of Christ.
 
“Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians is telling us that Jesus took bread and wine and offered it to God, and gave it to the apostles, the bread became His Body and the wine His blood. For what? To nurture us. So, let's take this commitment to be nourished by the body and blood of Jesus seriously. This is the blessing that you now have in Holy Family Chapel Paminano, that Jesus is present here to nourish you every day and there is a catechist who will be here full time, to take for you the Holy Communion," the archbishop echoed.
 
He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Christians for their unwavering dedication, generosity and hard work in making this dream a reality, “your sacrifices, prayers and contributions have built not just a physical structure, but a sacred place where we can gather to worship, grow in faith and strengthen our community.
 
The newly constructed Holy Family Chapel Paminano Church. Photo by Proscovia Achomo
 
Victorina Lamon, one of the parishioners of Holy Family Chapel Paminano expressed her immense joy saying that they have been praying for so many years for a new church because for long, they could gather under the trees to pray and now that the church building is there, it is a testament to God’s grace and mercy and that having Jesus Christ present in the sacrament and close to the community, will strengthen their faith.
 
“After years of praying under the trees, God has answered our prayers and provided us a place of worship, we are deeply grateful to the community who contributed their time, resources and prayers to make this church a reality,” she remarked.

Catechist David Olanya assigned to govern the chapel is obliged for this role. “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to serve as the caretaker of the Eucharistic center, this role allows me to bring the Holy Eucharist to the sick and to the community, helping them draw closer to the church and strengthening their connection to Christ,” he said.
 
Rev Fr Justine Loum, the parish priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary Lacor Parish reflects on the journey the community has taken in establishing places of worship and communion, highlighting that Lacor parish is blessed to have 23 chapels, of which 13 have permanent buildings, he also mentioned that this is the sixth eucharistic center established and that it has been guided by the journey of God’s grace.
 
He further added that this Eucharistic centers underpin the Christians` connection with Christ and offer more community members the opportunity to receive the Holy Eucharist.
 
The momentous event was marked by a special celebration as 4 couples received the sacrament of holy matrimony.