Northern Uganda rejoices as 12 saints receive papal recognition
During a vibrant Easter Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Gulu city, Archbishop Raphael Wokorach P’Mony announced that Pope Leo XIV has extended special papal recognition to 12 Ugandan saints, nearly half of whom hail from the Northern regio
Archbishop Raphael Wokorach P’Mony announced that Pope Leo XIV has extended special papal recognition to 12 Ugandan saints, nearly half of whom hail from the Northern region. (Photo by Claude Omona)
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Easter Sunday brought unprecedented joy to Christian faithful in Northern Uganda following a historic papal recognition of local faith heroes.
During a vibrant Easter Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Gulu city, Archbishop Raphael Wokorach P’Mony announced that Pope Leo XIV has extended special papal recognition to 12 Ugandan saints, nearly half of whom hail from the Northern region.
Archbishop Wokorach clarified that while these individuals had previously been beatified by other popes, Pope Leo XIV granted them this special distinction this Easter in honour of their dedicated service to their communities.
A historic milestone for the Gulu Archdiocese
Archbishop Wokorach shared the momentous news with a packed congregation, emphasising that this recognition is a testament to the deep-rooted faith and resilience of the community.
He urged the faithful to seek their intercession, stating that the community now has a direct spiritual link to the heavens through these recognised figures.
In a moving call to action, the Gulu Archbishop urged Christians by saying, “We need to pray to them.”
The honoured saints
The Archbishop identified the specific figures from Northern Uganda who have received this high honour. These include Bernardo Sartori of Arua, the beloved martyrs Daudi Okello and Jildo Irwa, the renowned surgeon Fr Joseph Ambrosoli, Norbert McAuliffe of Alokolum Major Seminary, and the pioneering Bishop Angelo Negri.
The enduring legacy of Bishop Angelo Negri
Among those honoured, Bishop Angelo Negri stands out as a foundational pillar of the Catholic Church in northern Uganda.
An Italian Comboni Missionary who served as the Vicar Apostolic of Nilo Equatorial, his life’s work continues to shape the social and spiritual fabric of Gulu today.
Foundations of faith and education
Bishop Negri is perhaps best remembered for founding the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu in 1930, a religious congregation focused on supporting vulnerable women and children.
His influence remains highly visible through prominent educational institutions such as Bishop Angelo Negri College and Negri Primary School.
Having served as a priest for 37 years and a bishop for 14, he passed away in 1949, leaving behind a legacy of missionary zeal that the Vatican has now formally celebrated.