Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist O’dama, celebrates 50 years of priesthood
O'dama wants to use the occasion to reconnect and celebrate the 50 years of his priestly ministry with the native community that provided a springboard for his priestly calling.
Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist O’dama. (Credit: Denis Oringi)
__________________ Archbishop O’dama joined by other faithful to pray at the grave of Fr Barnado Sartori. (Credit: Denis Oringi)
Hundreds are assembled at Oluko parish in Arua catholic diocese, the birthplace of the iconic and celebrated servant of God, Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist O’dama, as he celebrates his 50 years of priestly ministry.
He wants to use the occasion to reconnect and celebrate the 50 years of his priestly ministry with the native community that provided a springboard for his priestly calling.
His birthplace in Riki-former Oluko subcounty, is located in Ayivu Division-East constituency in Arua city.
The diocesan celebration is organised after the Golden Jubilee celebration that was held at Gulu Archdiocese last year.
Archbishop O’dama Prays at the grave of Fr Barnado Sartori
On Friday, Archbishop O’dama visited Ombaci parish, where he prayed at the graveside of Fr Bernardo Sartori, an Italian priest who is believed to have collapsed at the altar at the Ombaci parish church while presiding over mass decades ago. He also prayed at the cemetery of the Ombaci Massacre victims at Ombaci parish in Arua city.
Archbishop O’dama prays at the grave of Fr Barnado Sartori. (Photo by Denis Oringi)
Who is Father Barnardo Sartori
Father Bernardo Sartori was an Italian Comboni Missionary priest who dedicated 45 years of his life to serving in Uganda. He arrived in Arua, Uganda, in 1934 and worked there until his death in 1983.
Born on May 20, 1897, in Falzè di Trevignano, Italy, he entered the Comboni Missionaries in 1921 and was ordained a priest in 1923. He briefly served in Italy before being sent to Uganda.
Speaking at the gathering, which included Father Sartori, in the company of Parish Priest Ombaci, Rev. Father Romano Dada, the archbishop encouraged Christians to always present an intention for their prayers
"Some people come to the cemetery to show off, but we have to present our problems to God through Father Sartori so that peace can reign in our families and our communities."
Father Sartori was known for his dedication to pastoral ministry and evangelisation, especially in areas with a significant Muslim population. He founded numerous missions and built churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary. One notable project was the construction of the Lodonga Basilica, initially met with resistance due to its size, but which Father Sartori advocated for.
Father Sartori had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which influenced his missionary work and inspired him to build sanctuaries in her honour.
Sainthood Cause:
The process for his canonisation began in 1998 in the Arua Diocese. In December 2021, Pope Francis recognised his heroic virtues, proclaiming him Venerable, which is a step towards beatification and then sainthood. Christians in the Arua Diocese are actively praying for miracles to support his canonisation.
Death and Legacy:
He died on April 3, 1983, in Ombaci, Uganda, and is buried in the Ombaci cemetery. He is remembered for his unwavering faith, love for the people of Uganda, and commitment to the Comboni Missionary charism.
Profile of Archbishop John Baptist O’dama
Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist O’dama is a Ugandan Roman Catholic prelate who was born on June 29, 1947, in Riki -Oluko, to Elvira and Diriteo Bakumanyadri in the former Arua district, now Arua city and ordained as a priest on December 14, 1974.
After serving for five decades, O’dama retired on March 22, 2024.
Archbishop O’dama was appointed the Bishop of Nebbi catholic diocese on February 23, 1996, and consecrated on May 26, 1996.
On January 2, 1999, Rt Rev John Baptist O’dama was appointed Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese and served in this position for 25 years.
Rt Rev O’dama, in addition to his priestly ministry, also served as the Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference since 2010.
Peace Initiatives
Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist O’dama was a brave and forward-looking servant of God who sought to promote and propagate peaceful coexistence in the country.
O’dama is remembered for the key role in peace-building efforts in Northern Uganda, particularly during the conflict with the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). As chairman of the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI), he mediated between the Ugandan government and the LRA rebels under the LRA fugitive Joseph Kony.
Awards and Recognition:
Odama received the Peacemaker Prize from World Vision International in 2012 and an honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Gulu University in 2017. This is not a mean feat for a religious leader whose calling was and is still to ensure that the people of Northern Uganda and indeed the entire country live in peace and harmony.
Post-Retirement:
After his retirement, Odama served as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Gulu until July 12, 2024, when he handed over to his successor, Archbishop Raphael p'Mony Wokorach. Despite his retirement, Odama remains committed to promoting peace and dialogue in the region.
On the elections, the Archbishop Emeritus appealed to politicians, especially those campaigning, to think about the people of Uganda. He urged the elected leaders at the National level to use parliament to advocate for proper service delivery.
Ayivu East Member of Parliament, Geoffrey Feta, described the Archbishop Emeritus as the epitome of peace, reconciliation and unity, especially his contribution in bringing together the LRA fighters and the government of Uganda.