By Alexander Mackey Okori
Christians at Christ Cathedral under North Karamoja Diocese marked Eastern Monday, with baptism of 16 infants.
On Easter Monday, Christians globally commemorate the day following the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.
Out of the infants who received the sacrament of baptism conferred by Rev. Canon Alfred Okello, six are female while the rest are male.
In his homily Rev. Canon Okello emphasized that godparents are not merely honorary, but hold a sacred duty to guide, nurture, and accompany a child’s faith journey alongside their parents.
He said godparents act as mentors who, provide spiritual guidance and corrective action for both the child and their parents, ensuring the child grows into a Christian life.
Rev. Canon Okello also spoke against men against abandoning and neglecting their responsibilities at home, describing it as a major contributor to the challenges facing families today.
He said that the trend has contributed to family breakdowns, school dropouts and economic hardship in affected homes.
“Most men today are not responsible. They don’t spend time with their children or families, and they fail to provide guidance. This absence has left many children without proper direction,” Rev. Canon Okello said.
He further highlighted how this neglect affects the moral development of children, noting that many fathers fail to set an example worth emulating.
“Some are drunkards, others are notorious, and their actions do not inspire their children. These children grow up in environments devoid of guidance, often walking in darkness,” he said.
The clergyman lamented that children are drifting to trading centers and dance halls because parents are not present to guide them.
He urged that “If we want to raise a generation capable of building this country, fathers and mothers must take responsibility and lay a solid foundation for their children,”.
Some of the parents and Godparents who spoke to our reporter expressed happiness after their children were initiated into the church through water, symbolizing cleansing from sin and the start of a faith journey.
