Uganda Marks 108 Years of the Martyrdom of Blessed Daudi Okelo and Blessed Jildo Irwa

Fr. Isaac Ojok-Lira City

This year’s celebration was held under the theme: “Rooted in the Eucharist, United with St Joseph, Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa.”

Witness, Faith and Service

The celebration brought together bishops, priests, the religious, pilgrims, local leaders, representatives of Catholic movements and associations, as well as Christians from across Uganda. Pilgrims from Austria and Germany also joined the faithful in marking the annual feast of the Martyrs.

The principal celebrant, Bishop Sabino Ochan Odoki, Bishop of Arua Diocese, welcomed the congregation and acknowledged the various groups gathered at the shrine to honour the Paimol Martyrs.

Bishop Odoki said the faithful had gathered to celebrate the lives and witness of Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, who lived and served the people at Paimol before giving their lives for the faith. He expressed hope that the pilgrimage and celebration would bear spiritual fruit for all who had made the journey.

“May your coming here sanctify you and prepare you for Heaven,” Bishop Odoki said.

Martyrs Offer Lessons in Perseverance

Reflecting on the lives of Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, Bishop Odoki said the two martyrs continue to provide Christians with an example of deep conviction, courage and perseverance in the faith.

He encouraged the faithful to remain committed to doing good, even when they encounter difficulties, suffering or opposition.

The Bishop further encouraged the congregation not to fear suffering when it comes as a consequence of doing what is right. He said Christians should see it as a blessing to share in Christ's suffering, because faithfully endured suffering can ultimately be transformed into the joy of eternal glory.

The 108th anniversary celebration at Wipolo marked the sacrifice of Blessed Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa. The Paimol martyrs of Gulu were beatified on 20 October 2002, by Pope John Paul II. The beatification took place on World Mission Sunday, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.