The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, has urged Christians to intentionally teach their children the values of faith and ensure it is passed on from generation to generation, warning that without faith, the Christian life lacks a firm foundation.
The Bishop made the call while presiding over the 65th anniversary celebrations of Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Soroti City, a landmark event that drew hundreds of faithful, clergy, religious leaders, and political figures from across the Teso Sub-region.
In his homily, Bishop Eciru emphasized that faith is central to Christian living, noting that it is impossible to please God without it.
He reminded believers that faith is not optional but rather the cornerstone upon which Christian life is built.
“Faith is the foundation of our Christian life. Without faith, there is no foundation, and where there is no foundation, the Christian life collapses,” Bishop Eciru said.
“We must teach our children faith and pass it on to them, so that even when we are gone, they will remain grounded in God.”
The Bishop challenged parents and guardians to take up their responsibility as the first teachers of faith, urging them not to leave religious formation solely to schools or churches.
He stressed that strong families are built on shared belief and prayer.
Drawing inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Eciru encouraged Christians to model their lives on her unwavering trust in God.
He reminded the congregation that Mary believed in the words spoken to her by the angel, despite uncertainty and fear, and through her faith, God’s plan was fulfilled.
“Be models like Mother Mary, who believed in God’s word,” he said. “Her faith lifted her, and through that faith, salvation history was changed.”
The Bishop also called on believers to deepen their devotion to Mother Mary through prayer, describing Marian prayer as “faith-lifting.”
He explained that faith and prayer go hand in hand, noting that where faith is lacking, prayers become ineffective and miracles fail to manifest.
“Where faith is lacking, God will not perform miracles, and prayer becomes empty,” Bishop Eciru cautioned. “Prayer requires faith. Many people have missed opportunities because they are Christians who are sleeping, not awake in faith.”
He challenged the faithful to abandon what he described as “sleeping mode Christianity” and instead live actively and consciously as believers.
According to the Bishop, a vibrant faith opens doors, rewrites destinies, and guides believers through life’s challenges.
Referencing biblical figures such as Abraham, David, and Mary, Bishop Eciru noted that faith has the power to rewrite the future.
He said Abraham’s faith led to the birth of a nation, David’s trust in God elevated him from shepherd to king, and Mary’s belief ushered in the Savior of the world.
“Faith can rewrite the future and guide us,” he said. “But first, you must become believers before you become achievers.”
In a strong call to spiritual discipline, the Bishop urged Christians to attend Mass daily, reminding them that Jesus Christ is present every day in the Holy Eucharist.
“Christ is present daily in the Holy Eucharist. If we truly believe, then we must desire to meet Him every day,” Bishop Eciru told the congregation. 
Among the dignitaries in attendance was David Calvin Echodu, the Vice Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for Eastern Uganda and a candidate for Soroti City West Member of Parliament.
In his brief remarks, Echodu described it as a blessing to be part of the historic celebrations.
“I am grateful to God for the opportunity to attend this 65th anniversary,” Echodu said. “I believe that after tapping into today’s blessings, I will emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.”
Echodu is contesting to unseat Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in the forthcoming polls.
Other political leaders who attended the celebrations included Moses Okia Attan, the FDC candidate for Soroti City East; Amulo Sheila Emily, an independent candidate for Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament; and Francis Esudu, a mayoral candidate for Soroti City.
As the celebrations concluded, Bishop Eciru reiterated his central message, urging Christians to safeguard their faith and intentionally pass it on to their children, describing it as the greatest inheritance any parent can give.
“Teach your children faith,” he said. “When faith is alive in the family, the future is secure.”
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