St. Mary’s Ediofe Girls’ Secondary School Celebrates Annual School Day
On 3rd July 2022, St. Mary’s Ediofe Girls’ Secondary School marked its Annual School Day with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, Bishop of the Arua Diocese. The occasion brought together students, staff, alumni, and distinguished guests to celebrate academic achievement, faith, and discipline.
During his address, Bishop Odoki encouraged the students to emulate the late Professor Christine Dranzoa, former Vice Chancellor of Muni University and a staunch advocate for girl-child education. Professor Dranzoa, who passed away on 28 June 2022 while serving as the Executive Committee Chairperson of the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA), dedicated her life to advancing education for children across the West Nile region. “There
“There is no secret to success. Study diligently, remain disciplined, humble, and prepare yourself for challenges. Be a woman of faith, because religion is central to life,” said Bishop Odoki, commending Ediofe Girls for maintaining discipline amidst the recent wave of school strikes in the country. “Your commitment to excellence makes you a role model for other schools. Keep up the hard work, and God will reward you.”
The Bishop also emphasized the call to missionary life, reminding students that serving Christ is not limited to clergy or foreign missionaries.
“We’re all called to serve Jesus Christ. Being a missionary does not depend on your origin or status; if you are baptized, you are already a missionary. Even those of other faiths who do good are recognized by the Church,” he added.
The day was further marked by the confirmation of over 100 students into the Catholic faith, anointed with Chrism oil by the Bishop. The ceremony was supported by clergy including Rev. Fr. Nobert Azale, Chancellor of Arua Diocese and Chaplain of Ediofe Girls, and Rev. Fr. Francis Okuni, responsible for Financial Administration.
Notable dignitaries who attended included Hon. Lillian Obiale Paparu, Member of Parliament for Arua District and an alumna of Ediofe Girls, the Registrar of the High Court of Arua City, Lady Catherine, as well as headteachers from sister schools and former students.