The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach has joined the rest of the Christian community of Soroti to mourn the demise of the first Soroti catholic Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Erasmus Desiderius Wandera.
Bishop Wandera died on December 8, 2022 at his residence in Mbale.
In a statement released through the office of the chancellor Soroti Catholic Diocese, Bishop Eciru with deep sorrow announced the demise of His Lordship Wandera while referring to him as founding father of the diocese.
Bishop Eciru is the second successor of Bishop Wandera who retired in 2007. He was first succeeded by now Archbishop Tororo Archdiocese Emmanuel Obbo.
“The Ordinary of Soroti Catholic Diocese, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach with deep sorrow announces the demise of our founding Father of the diocese, His Lordship Erasmus Desiderius Wandera, Bishop Emeritus of Soroti Catholic Diocese. This occurred this morning around 6:00am at his residence in Mbale City. As a diocese, we mourn with profound grief this great loss and commend his soul to the loving hands of God. Eternal rest unto him O lord and let Perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in Peace,” said Bishop Eciru in a statement released through the office of the Chancellor headed by Padre Gonzaga Ongereny Waziwazi.
The retired 1st Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Erasmus D. Wandera was born at Osia in Tororo Archdiocese on 16th April 1930.
He was ordained a priest on 27th December 1956. He was appointed the first Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese on 29th November 1980 and consecrated Bishop on 29th March 1981.
He retired on 6th October 2007 and was succeeded by Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Obbo, A.J. Bishop Emeritus Erasmus D. Wandera.
His Grace Emmanuel Obbo AJ the Archbishop of Tororo Archdiocese while speaking to our reporter on phone said the meetings are currently ongoing and the public will be informed soon on the burial program.