Emmanuel Nigel: "The First Memorial Prayer Anniversary; A Tribute to Rev. Fr. Matthew Okun Lagoro: A Priest of the Mother Church that Guided many Faithful on the Journey of Faith."

‎By Emmanuel Nigel

‎Piemonte House

‎Date: Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

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One year since the passing of Rev. Fr. Matthew Okun Lagoro, a devoted Priest of the Archdiocese of Gulu, who was called to Eternal Rest on Friday, May 23rd, 2025. "The First Memorial Prayer Anniversary; A Tribute to Rev. Fr. Matthew Okun Lagoro: A Priest of the Mother Church that Guided many Faithful on the Journey of Faith." Though time has moved forward, his memory remains alive in our hearts; his legacy still speaks quietly but powerfully among us, and his homilies to us leave us reflecting on the mercy and love of the Lord God.

‎Rev. Fr. Matthew Okun Lagoro was not just a Priest by ordination, but a Shepherd by heart. He carried the Gospel of the Lord with Humility, served with Compassion, and lived with a Simplicity that drew many closer to Christ. His Priesthood was a testimony of dedication to the Lord God, to the Mother Church, and to the People entrusted to his care. His gift of the Priesthood has been good. The introduction of so many Initiatives for Peace and Social Life. His commitment to seeing that Acholibur becomes a fully established Parish.

"On a personal note, I remember with gratitude the privilege I had as a Young Altar Boy serving at the Altar of the Lord at Christ the King Parish Kitgum, in 2005 whenever he visited the Parish and I served him during the Celebration of the Holy Mass. Those moments were more than just service; they were silent lessons. In the way he celebrated the Holy Mass, in his reverence, in his calm presence he taught with words and what it meant to belong to the Lord God truly." 

Rev. Fr. Matthew Okun Lagoro had a gentle strength and the entire sociality of his life. He was approachable, kind, and fatherly. He listened, encouraged, and guided many on their journeys of faith. I surmise that he understood the gift of his Priesthood. "Even in the simplest interactions, one could feel the depth of his Vocation and the sincerity of his love for God’s people. I admire that whenever he talks to someone, he does not hurry to talk to you, he does not think of having a quick conversation with you, and he gives much attention to you giving beautiful words that concern Life and Humanity."

‎As we remember him (Rev. Fr. Matthew Okun Lagoro) today, Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, I do not only mourn his absence, but I celebrate a Life of a Priest. A life poured out in service. A life that touched many, often in quiet and unseen ways. Though death has taken him from our sight, it has not taken him from our minds. So awesome that he loved his Vocation, he loved the gift of his Priesthood. I believe that he now shares in the Eternal Priesthood of Christ in Heaven.

“May the Soul of Rev. Fr. Matthew Okun Lagoro through the mercy of God, rest in the Eternal Peace of Christ. May his Soul live in God's abode.”

‎By Emmanuel Nigel 

‎IT Student, Passionate Writer, Poet, and Peace Advocate 

‎Piemonte House

‎X: @EmmanuelNigel90

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