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Main celebrant Archbishop Gulu Ecclesiastical Province Raphael P’mony Wokoch blessed the casket of the deceased at Immaculate heart of Mary Cathedral minutes ahead of his send off on December 5, 2024. All Photos Mike Rwothomio By Mike Rwothomio Nebbi The Archb
Main celebrant Archbishop Gulu Ecclesiastical Province Raphael P’mony Wokoch blessed the casket of the deceased at Immaculate heart of Mary Cathedral minutes ahead of his send off on December 5, 2024. All Photos Mike Rwothomio
By Mike Rwothomio
Nebbi
The Archbishop of Gulu ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Raphael P’mony Wokorach, has described the late Nebbi Catholic diocese’s oldest priest Rev. Father Emilio Onegwa, as a decent and exemplary leader, who committed his entire life to serve God.
Born December 8, 1925, Rev. Father Emilio Onegwa died at 99 years at his home Parish in Nyapea Deanery on November 28, 2024. He was set to celebrate his 100th birthday on December 8, according to the diocese.
The Prelate made the remark whilst presiding over a mass for the funeral of the late Onegwa, at Immaculate heart of Mary Nebbi Catholic Cathedral on December 5, 2024.
“He was a priest well defined, decent, exemplary. He gave everything to God, his passing is also a blessing for the diocese and church at large.” Wokorach remarked.
He rallied other priests to emulate the deceased all year round resourceful life, he dedicated and committed fully to God.
“He went extra mile offering sacrifices, educating people to love work, and nature and make the church grow, he wanted the church to grow more,” he added.
The Archbishop who was the main celebrant also remembered the late for being an agriculturalist who ventured into fruit growing that is still offering support where he worked, supporting the construction of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Nebbi.
He died just two days after Nebbi Catholic diocese received good news of the appointment of their new Bishop.
The 99 year old late Rev. Father Emilio Onegwa who died on November 28,
2024, is remembered by countless believers for his remarkable work
and service in Nebbi Catholic diocese.
Notable Prelates like Gulu Archbishop Emeritus Dr. John Baptist Odama, Bishop of Lira Catholic diocese Linus Wanok, Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki of Arua Catholic diocese, priests, politicians and thousands of Christians and a delegation from Mahagi Nyoka Diocese from DR Congo converged on Thursday December 5, for his send off at the Immaculate heart of Mary Cathedral Nebbi Catholic diocese.
The Gulu Archbishop Emeritus Dr. John Baptist Odama said, “My condolence upon the departure of our elder.”
Odama further revealed that, “Nebbi is the first to produce a priest of 100 years, and this is the great gift of God to people” adding that “he was an icon of priests in the whole Catholic Church”
The Bishop of Arua Catholic diocese Sabino Ochan Odoki described him as a special priest who should be emulated.
The Bishop of Lira Catholic diocese Linus Wanok , the former Nebbi Diocese Bishop described the Late Rev. Father Emilio as a welcoming priest, adding that a special prayer was organized by Lira Catholic diocese to eulogize him.
The king of Alur His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III, in his message read by Orach Vincent Ocaya, the Kingdom’s deputy executive director said, “Ker Alur will remember the deceased as a staunch promoter of faith in the entire Kingdom.”
Meanwhile the MP for Jonam County Emmanuel Ongiertho noted, “this was a true priest who was devoted to priesthood and it was out of his humility that Ocegu Cultural institution donated land to house the Catholic diocese headquarters.”
The deceased’s 68-year-old younger brother, Mario Kunde, appealed to the Diocese to construct the deceased’s Church known as Akoma Chapel “Can Abiru Paa Megwa Bikira Maria” under Ajei Zone, Nyapea Deanery established by the deceased a couple of years ago.
Believers reflect on his leadership;
Okweda Jenario, a believer from Nyapea Catholic Parish said. “I will not forget about Father Emilio, it was under him that I got baptized”
Jerose Mandhawun, a believer from Nebbi Catholic Parish said, “we thank God for his life, though we were waiting to celebrate his 100th birthday but God never wanted it to be that way, we continue to pray for his life.”
The late Rev. Father Emilio Onegwa is the first priest to buried at the new cemetery ground of the diocese.
The Catholic community in Nebbi say though he died, they are celebrating his entire evidently impactful life in the church.
Nebbi Catholic Diocese is blessed with 69 Diocesan priests, 04 Missionary priests, 63 Religious sisters, 26 Religious brothers and 997 catechists from 19 Parishes across the Diocese, according to Uganda Episcopal Conference.
Mourners converge at the new cemetery ground to pay their last respect to the fallen priest.