On Sunday 7th March 2010 Bishop Johnson marked 77 days as Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda as the 7th Bishop, Johnson visited 7 Parishes of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, and Rev. Willy Akena brings you some highlight of the 77 days. Bishop Johnson was consecrated on December 20, 2009 by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda His Grace Henry Luke Orombi who is also the 7th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. The following parishes have already been visited: - St. Philips Cathedral where they have an old cathedral built in 1913 by missionaries, a new cathedral is under construction, Christ Church has a church building, Awere, Nwoya, Anaka, Purongo and Agung. Among the key activities that have already taken place was the clergy and spouses retreat. Gulu Primary school hosted this event that saw about 100 participants for this retreat which took place from 27th -30th January 2010. It was a time for healing of memories as the clergy and their spouses shared their experiences of ministry during the difficult period of the war. They went back with hope especially given the peace that is now prevailing and the new Bishop coming in at this time of return and resettlement.
MISS ME BUT LET ME GO
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no riles in a gloom-filled room
why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a litt-le But not too long
And not with your head bowed low Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me-But let me go
For this is a journey that we must take
And each must go alone
It’s all a step in the Master’s plan
A step on the road home
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And burry your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me but let me go.
This was read during the burial of Rt. Rev. Patrick Kyaligonza Ateenyi
Many Bishops attended the burial of their brother Bishop Patrick who died in a motor accident along the Fort Portal Kyenjojo Road. It was a week of mourning in the Church of Uganda. While coming for the burial of Bishop Patrick, the Bishop of North Mbale and that of Sebei Diocese got involved in another accident that took away the life of Mrs Papertua Gimadu all this happened in the District of Kyenjojo
Bishop Johnson Gakumba former pupil of Kyema Primary School 43 year ago on Friday 5th March 2010 called upon the pupils to listen to their teachers is they are to succeed. He advised the pupils to fear God because if they fear God then they will not be disappointed. He said he came back to thank the teachers for making him what he is now. The Bishop gave a number gifts including box of soap for teachers, 600 pens for pupils, different ball and pump, and whistles The Headmistress of the School Mrs. Esther Kaunde thanked the Bishop for remembering his former school. Esther said most people never think about their primary schools and never remember to go back and say thank you. The Bishop said he used to walk on bare foot to come to school and sometimes beaten by rains. The Bishop of Masindi Kitara Rt. Stanley Ntgali thanked Bishop Johnson for remembering his former school and promise to strengthen the relationship between Masindi Kitara and Diocese of Northern Uganda. In another related development the Bishop was welcomed in his village church of St. Paul COUKiswata, Kyema Parish Masindi District. Excited congregation lined the road leading to the venue church compound, singing, dancing and making Ululations. A Christina band dressed in a Light Greenish uniform made the day even more colourful. The bishop handed over of a Stall to his brother Bishop Stanley, Surplice and cassock to the Parish Priest and different colours of table cloth for church survice. The community together with the committee handed over gift ranging from cows to broom.
107 Years ago the Church Missionary Society under the leadership of Albert Cook crossed the Nile from Bunyoro to Acholi land. They then had a rest at a place later to become the current Agung. The name Agung came as a result of Kneeling down to pray in that place, the Acholi’s who accompanied the missionaries and some banyoro later named the place Agung meaning we kneel down. On Sunday 7th March which is exactly 77 days since Bishop Johnson was consecrated, another interesting coincidence happened. The Rev Canon Robert Spingett led a team from the Church of England to attend a service at Agung. The Rev. John Ochola and his wife Christine this time was their guide together with the Chairman house of laity Mr. Benjamin Buruto and his wife Jennifer. This time the missionaries came from through Gulu Town and in two vehicles. Bishop Johnson together with his wife Christine and two of their children Lamwaka Charity and Peace Agenorwot , Ayo David the Driver, Rev. Willy Akena and his wife Poline, came from Masindi Kitara Diocese in Bunyoro through the Bridge of Karuma and this time not crossing the water on foot but in a vehicle into Acholi land. A renewed prayer was said on the spot the missionaries once knelt down to pray. It came to the notice of the congregation that some people had taken over the Alter and turned it into a devil alter.
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