Anai Sub-Parish Officially Elevated to Parish Status After Decades of Growth

Anai, Lira - After decades of faith, perseverance, and steady growth, Anai Sub-Parish, dedicated to St. Peter the Apostle, has officially been elevated to full parish status. This milestone marks the culmination of a remarkable journey that began in 1949 when a small group of Christians gathered under a tree at Anai Day School, now Anai Primary School, to pray and learn.

The foundation of the Christian community in Anai is credited to Mr. Masimino Opio, a dedicated catechist and primary school teacher. His passion for spreading the faith saw him acquire stationery and educational materials from Ngetta Mission on February 4, 1951, to facilitate catechism instruction. His efforts were supported by Fr. Angello Tarantino, MCCJ, who gifted a Holy Bible and a catechism book, strengthening the community’s spiritual growth. By 1954, the first baptisms were conducted—marking a defining moment in the faith journey of Anai’s Catholics.

As the Christian community continued to grow, the need for a dedicated place of worship became evident. The first push for a chapel came in 1963, and in 1969, under the leadership of Catechist Opio and other community leaders, a fundraising campaign was launched. With 120 shillings collected from Indian traders and well-wishers, the construction of the chapel began.

Over the years, Anai saw significant milestones in its growth:

December 15, 2020 – Anai was granted Sub-Parish status.

November 25, 2021 – Rev. Fr. George Ogwal Akaca elevated St. Peter’s Catholic Chapel to a Eucharistic Centre.

2021 – Rev. Fr. Alfred Junior Okello was appointed Administrator, while Fr. Edward Opio became Curate.

2023 – Fr. Isaac Ojok and Fr. Dr. Robert Omara took over leadership.

2024 – Fr. Geoffrey Onimo Aporoson was appointed Curate.

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