On Saturday, August 17th, 2024, the Salesians of Don Bosco joined Fr. Godwin Cekecan in Pakwach District, Northern Uganda, to celebrate his thanksgiving Mass following his priestly ordination at Rubaga Cathedral in Kampala on August 10th.
Fr. Cekecan, presiding over his first Mass, also officiated at the sacrament of Holy matrimony during the same mass. This marked the first time in five years that the Christians of Pakwach parish had witnessed a new priest, filling them with joy and excitement.
During his homily, Fr. Denis Ocanda told the faithful that a priest’s role is simple: to pray and bless people, adding that there is no greater joy than that.
Fr. Lazar Arasu, who spoke on behalf of the Salesians of Don Bosco AGL Provincial, noted that the founder of the Salesians said that a priest in a family is a blessing to that family, assuring Fr. Godwin’s family of many blessings. He added that many dioceses in Uganda are seeking for the presence of the Salesians’ services quoting Bishop Raphael who once told him that Salesians were “harvesting” from the diocese without “planting,” highlighting the need for Salesian presence in Arua diocese. It’s worth noting that many other dioceses have also shown great interest in the services of the Salesians, including Kabale diocese through its Bishop the Rt. Rev. Callixte Rubaramira.
The ceremony was followed by a reception where the Salesians from AGL province together with the Christian community and their families were joined by the Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, the Bishop of Arua diocese, to celebrate and rejoice with the new priest.
The ordination and thanksgiving Masses of Fr. Godwin Cekecan bring great pride to the mission of Don Bosco in AGL province and beyond.
Alfred Ntagungira.
