In a bid to accommodate the growing number of the Catholic faithfuls in Soroti Catholic Diocese, the Diocese now needs a total of Uganda Shillings 8 Billion to Construct a new Cathedral according to Bishop Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach.
The New Cathedral according to Bp. Eciru is expected to host a total of over 4000 Christians and will last for 300 years after completion.
The Cathedral named Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven) Cathedral Soroti will seat in Aminit along Soroti-Mbale road.
Soroti Catholic Diocese was started in 1981 after being curbed from Tororo Archdiocese and since then has not been having a Cathedral but has been operating under the town Parish (Immaculate Conception Parish).
Speaking during the walk to the groundbreaking and fundraising drive ceremony for the Construction of the Cathedral on Monday Morning, Bishop Eciru revealed that they need Two Million US dollars to have the headquarters of the Diocese complete.
He expects the construction of the new Cathedral to be done by 2021 when the Diocese is expected to celebrate its 40th birthday.
“It’s a big task ahead of us and as Christian we have to give until we get tired. But I know with the number we are having we shall have this Cathedral dine before we celebrate our birthday”, Dr. Eciru confidently said.
He also challenged believers to put themselves to the foots of Solomon who sacrificed himself to work for the Lord.
” Let us give the best to the Lord and all of us Christians must be proud to be counted as those having worked for the Lord,” he added
Soroti Catholic Diocese has over Eight million believers according to the retrieved diocesan records as at late 1990s.
Msgr. Fr. Robert Ecogu the Vicar General Soroti Catholic Diocese has however appealed to the Catholic faithfuls across the globe to support the Construction of the Cathedral.
“I want to appeal to all people of God to support us as we construct the House of God. This one is an historic moment for us as Believers “, he said.
Rev. Fr. Gonzaga Waziwaz Ongereny the Chancellor Soroti Catholic Diocese also challenged believers not to take the construction of the Cathedral with bad faith whenever they are asked to contribute.
“Whenever we come to you (Christians) give generously don’t hesitate or blame us for burdening you,” he said.
Hon. Jacqueline Amongin the Ngora District Woman Mp commended Bishop Eciru for coming up with this strategic idea.
“As a leader am going to mobilize support towards the construction of the Cathedral. We must know that Missionaries brought faith to us and we are now doing the construction”, she said.
