Christians urged to pray for the departed and uphold love beyond death

5 November 2025, 7:53 pm

By Okwong Geoffrey

Christians have been reminded to always remember and pray for those who have departed from this world.

During mass at Blessed Daudi Okelo and Jildo Irwa Catholic Church in Pader town, Fr. Stephen Opoka urged the congregation not to forget their loved ones who have passed on, emphasising that the Catholic Church dedicates every 2nd November—All Souls’ Day—to prayers for the departed.

Fr. Opoka reminded believers that love does not end at death, encouraging them to continue expressing love even after the passing of their loved ones.

“Love doesn’t have to go away when someone dies. We must continue to practice it even beyond death,” he said.

He further called on Christians to pray for all souls, known or unknown, saying that God requires everyone to intercede for the departed. Fr. Opoka also encouraged the faithful to visit and clean family cemeteries as a sign of respect and remembrance.

Meanwhile, Rtd. Col. Fearless Obwoya Oyat, the LC V Chairperson of Pader district, who joined the congregation for the mass, urged Christians to avoid land wrangles, reminding them that only a small piece of land will be needed for one’s burial.

“We are not perfect; we all make mistakes. Let us forgive one another for the wrongs committed against us,” he said.

Obwoya also revealed that the Ex-gratia payments for Local Council I, II, and III chairpersons had been received by the district and would be disbursed beginning this week. He dismissed earlier rumors alleging that his office and that of the Chief Administrative Officer had mismanaged the funds.

Additionally, Obwoya announced that Pader District had received a new Toyota Hilux pickup truck (Reg. No. UG 3400 212) from the Ministry of Local Government to support supervision and monitoring activities across the district.

“The vehicle is part of the central government’s commitment to strengthen service delivery in local governments,” Obwoya said.