Soroti Bishop Urges Women to Uphold Sanctity of Life, Embrace Power of Resurrection

The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, delivered a bold and soul-stirring message during the Easter Vigil Mass, urging believers, especially women, to uphold the sanctity of life and embrace the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection.

Preaching at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Soroti City, Bishop Eciru strongly condemned abortion and called on women to honor their divine role as life-givers. “Dear women, your wombs are sacred vessels of life, not death,” he declared. “Never turn them into tombs by committing abortion. Every life is a gift from God and must be protected and nurtured with love.”

The cathedral was filled with congregants gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Many listened attentively as Bishop Eciru emphasized the crucial role of women as protectors of God’s creation. He called on all Christians to embrace spiritual renewal and abandon sinful ways of the past. “Being incorporated into Christ through baptism marks the beginning of a new life,” he said. “Christ is risen, and we, too, must rise with Him. We cannot remain buried in the sins of our past. The same God who created us is the only God who saves.” Bishop Eciru reminded the faithful that Easter is not just a ceremonial celebration but a divine invitation to live a transformed life. “The problem some people have is that they want to live in the opposite—choosing darkness over light, old habits over new life,” he noted. “We must graduate from the past and walk boldly in the newness of Christ.”

He further urged Christians to stand firmly for the truth, even in a world filled with deception, fear, and moral compromise. “If we want to become conquerors, we must stand by the truth,” he said. “Truth is not always comfortable, but it sets us free. Let us not bend to worldly pressures that contradict the teachings of Christ.”

The bishop challenged believers to become beacons of light in their communities by living lives that reflect the power of the resurrection. “We are called to be witnesses of the risen Christ in our families, schools, workplaces, and the nation. Our conduct should demonstrate the newness of Christ. Let your life preach the Gospel.”

In a cautionary tone, Bishop Eciru warned against slipping back into ungodly ways. He emphasized that the resurrection must lead to genuine transformation—spiritually, morally, and socially. “Some Christians, even after hearing the word and receiving the sacraments, return to old patterns of gossip, hatred, corruption, sexual immorality, and violence. That is not the way of Christ,” he said. “You cannot claim to walk in the light and still dwell in the shadows.”

He stressed that resurrection faith must be evident not only in words but in actions, particularly in how people treat others and respond to life’s challenges. Mary Akello, a young mother of two who attended the vigil, said she was deeply moved. “The Bishop’s message was powerful. I felt God speaking directly to me. It reminded me that being a mother is a divine calling, and I should never take life for granted.” Other congregants echoed her sentiments, commending Bishop Eciru for boldly addressing issues many often avoid.

He encouraged believers to remain rooted in prayer, fellowship, and Scripture. “Let us not allow this Easter to pass like any other day. Let it be the beginning of your true walk with Christ.” Bishop Eciru concluded with a reminder that Christ’s resurrection is not just a historical event, but a present and powerful reality meant to change lives.  As the bells of Immaculate Conception Cathedral rang into the night, his voice echoed with conviction and hope: “Christ is risen! Let us rise with Him, and never look back.”