Today (March 21, 2025), we gathered in faith and remembrance to celebrate the Memorial Mass for Servant of God Fr. Declan O’Toole, MHM, and his companions, Patrick Longoli Dodoya and Fidelis Longole. This solemn occasion, held in Panyangara Parish, was presided over by Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, Bishop of Kotido Diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Eibu urged us to keep praying for the beatification of Fr. Declan and his companions, recognizing their lives as a testimony of faith, love, and unwavering commitment to peace. Their sacrifice, though painful, continues to inspire hope and reconciliation within the Karamoja community and beyond.
The Mass was well attended, with a strong presence of the faithful from Panyangara, as well as Friends of Mill Hill who travelled from Soroti and Lugazi Dioceses. We were fortunate to have the family members of Patrick and Fidelis with us. They reminded us of the personal sacrifices involved in the peace mission that Fr. Declan and his companions embraced.
Fr. Declan arrived in Karamoja in 1998 as the first missionary priest in the newly established Panyangara Parish. In his four years of service, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to fostering peace, mediating conflicts, and walking closely with the people. His tragic death on March 21, 2002, along with Patrick and Fidelis, left deep wounds, but also a lasting legacy of faith and reconciliation.
Though questions remain about the circumstances of their deaths, one truth is clear: Fr. Declan lived and died as a servant of Christ, embodying the very essence of missionary discipleship. His recognition as a Servant of God marks the beginning of the journey toward possible sainthood—a process that invites us all to seek his intercession and continue his mission of peace and love.
As we concluded the Mass, there was a deep sense of unity and renewed commitment to keeping Fr. Declan’s memory alive. May his example continue to inspire us, and may his intercession bring blessings to the people he so dearly loved.
In Christ,
Fr. Placide Elia, MHM
