By Eumu Emmanuel
St. Paul Ochero Parish, carved out of Kaberamaido Parish in 1998 by the late Archbishop Erasmus Desderius Wandera, celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of dedication and growth. Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, commemorated the occasion by reflecting on the parish’s history and achievements.
Initially a simple zonal center church, St. Paul Ochero Parish was founded with a well-built modern parish house, thanks to the tireless efforts of Rev. Fr. Alois Valentine (RIP). Fr. Valentine, considered the architect, site engineer, foreman, and mason of the parish, worked under challenging social and economic conditions, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment. His work ethic and dedication inspired many, including seminarians Godfrey Etolu and Robert Ecogu, although his quick temper and high standards often proved difficult for some volunteers.
The decision to establish Ochero Parish was driven by the distance between Kaberamaido and Ochero and the dedication of the local Christian community. For years, Ochero had been a backbone of Kaberamaido Parish, with significant contributions from locals like Mzee Eromano Opio (RIP), whose generous donations of cattle supported the church’s growth.
Over the past 25 years, St. Paul Ochero Parish has played a crucial role in the evangelization of its traditional communities. Despite being one of the remotest parishes in the Soroti Catholic Diocese, the parish has shown benevolence and generosity. However, it faces challenges, including high school dropout rates and low numbers of annual weddings. Local chiefs often have to conduct operations to ensure children attend school.
The 25th anniversary celebration was marked by the weddings of Cuthbert Ewiru and Adongo Christine, and Nicholas and Ketty, as well as the confirmation of 590 children. Bishop Joseph Eciru urged the community to keep their faith strong, emphasizing the significance of this milestone. “As we celebrate 25 years of St. Paul Ochero Parish, we thank God for the growth and resilience of this community. Let us continue to uphold our faith and support each other,” he said.