Arua rallies Christians to raise Shs3bn for retirement home for priests

The faithful are being urged to contribute Shs1,000 per month toward the noble cause

ARUA CITY | The Arua Catholic Diocese has doubled efforts to construct a nursing home for sick, retired and elderly Priests at Pokea Seminary.

Recognising this sacred responsibility, the diocese has rallied its faithful, summoning them to join hands in a collective act of benevolence by contributing Shs100 per month.

"We call this 'Jege Jege Collection', we tried it last year from January to December, all the parishes were submitting and we collected about Shs80 million," said the Bishop of Arua Diocese, Sabino Ochan Odoki.

"This was below our target, so we want to make this drive popular. We have 2.5 million Catholics [in the diocese] and we can easily realise a good amount if every one gives this Shs100 a month."

Bishop Odoki said the essence of this endeavour lies in the profound sense of duty towards those who have devoted their lives to the service of God and the community.

"We have some sick, retired priests but we don’t have where to keep them," he said, "at the moment they are staying at Christus Centre, some are in Moyo Parish, which are not suitable."

He said the vision for this nursing home transcends mere physical shelter, it will be equipped with modern facilities and staffed by compassionate caregivers, to provide a nurturing environment where the elderly clergy can find comfort, companionship, and holistic care.

Bishop Odoki called upon all Catholics, Christians and every person of goodwill to contribute toward the Jege Jege Collection which seeks to raise Shs3 billion.

He adds that with this, plus other avenues, the they will be able to implement the development programmes of the diocese.