The Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, has called upon Christians to focus on building families that they will be proud of and that will reflect God’s love and discipline in society.
The bishop made this appeal during his homily at the burial Mass of Mzee Simon Evarestus Okello where he emphasized the importance of strong family values, moral upbringing, and responsible parenthood.
Bishop Eciru reminded the congregation that a good family is not built by wealth or status, but by the moral and spiritual foundation laid by parents.
He urged all parents to take their roles seriously in guiding their children to become responsible citizens and faithful followers of God.
“Build a family that you will be proud of,” Bishop Eciru said. “It is not enough to bring children into this world. What matters most is how you raise them and what you leave behind when your time on earth is over.”
The prelate went on to outline three key responsibilities for every parent who desires to raise children in a God-fearing and disciplined manner.
The first, he said, is to show children how to follow God through prayer, faith and obedience to His word.
He explained that parents are the first teachers of faith and must set a clear example for their children to follow.
“Show your children the way to God. Let them see you pray, let them hear you speak with love and truth and let them find comfort in the church. That is the beginning of wisdom,” he advised.
Secondly, Bishop Eciru emphasized the importance of education as a tool for shaping the future of the young generation.
He encouraged parents to make every possible effort to send their children to school, saying that education not only opens doors to opportunity but also teaches discipline and critical values needed for life.
“Take them to school,” he urged. “A child who is educated becomes a blessing not only to the family but to the entire community. Education helps our children to understand the world better and to serve humanity with knowledge and integrity.”
The third responsibility, according to the bishop, is teaching children how to live and relate well with others.
He cautioned that children who are not guided on social values often grow up with poor manners and attitudes that harm relationships within the community.
“Teach them how to live and associate with people,” Bishop Eciru added. “Respect begins at home. If parents are abusive, disrespectful, or dishonest, the children will copy exactly that behavior.”
He further warned parents to be good examples in their homes because children learn more from what they see than what they are told.
“Your behavior speaks louder than your words,” he noted. “If you want your children to be kind, loving, and prayerful, then you too must live those values.”
Bishop Eciru also used the occasion to caution Christians against misusing the gift of life that God has given them.
He lamented the growing trend of young people engaging in harmful habits such as drug and alcohol abuse, saying these vices destroy not only the body but also the soul.
“Life is a sacred gift,” the bishop stressed. “Do not misuse it by overloading your body with toxic things. Many people today look old not because of age but because of the bad things they consume. Protect your body; it is the temple of God.”
He reminded the faithful that living responsibly is a way of honoring God, and that good health, discipline, and moral conduct bring glory to Him.
Bishop Eciru encouraged Christians to strive for a legacy that will speak well of them even after death.
“When you die and leave behind a good and respectful family, people will be proud of you,” he said. “But if you fail to raise your children well, your name will fade with shame.”
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