Father Godfrey Ocamringa AJ, Rest in Peace

Father Godfrey Ocamringa, AJ – 1st October 1966   –   6th July, 2024

Family Background

Rev. Fr. Godfrey Ocamringa AJ, son of Mr. Donasiano Omwoni (Father) and Mrs. Lucy Atimango (Mother), was born on 1st October 1966 in Padwot-Mvura village, Kucwiny Subcounty, Nebbi District in the West Nile Region of Uganda. His Parish is Akanyo Catholic Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Nebbi – Uganda.

Sacramental Life

Godfrey was Baptized on the 6th November, 1966 and then confirmed on the 11th October, 1976 at Angal Catholic Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Nebbi – Uganda.

Primary and Secondary Education

1974-1981            attended Akanyo Primary School and obtained the Uganda Primary Leaving  Certificate.

1982-1985      studied at Apostles of Jesus Seminary Moroto – Uganda (Ordinary Secondary Education) and obtained the Uganda Certificate of Education.

1988-1989     studied at Apostles of Jesus Seminary Moroto- Uganda (Advanced Secondary Education) and obtained the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education.

Religious and Priestly Formation

1986-1987            He joined the Apostles of Jesus Novitiate at Moroto – Uganda having had earlier on a period of Aspirancy and Postulancy. He then professed first Religious Vows on the 29th June, 1987.

1989-1990            As a junior professed, he studied Philosophy at Apostles of Jesus Philosophicum at Langata, Nairobi – Kenya and obtained a Diploma in Philosophy and Religious Studies.

1991-1996            He continued with Seminary formation, studying Theology at the Apostles of Jesus Major Seminary in Langata, Nairobi –Kenya. He graduated with a Diploma in Sacred Theology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome – Italy to which the Major Seminary is affiliated.

8th Sept. 1996    He professed Final Religious Vows. He was ordained a Deacon on 8th December, 1995 in Nairobi – Kenya by Rt. Rev. Urbanus Kioko, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos – Kenya. He was ordained a Priest on 27th July, 1996 at Angal Catholic Parish, by Rt. Rev. John Baptist Odama, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nebbi – Uganda.

In 2010-2014,    Godfrey joined the Catholic University of Eastern Africa at Langata, Nairobi, Kenya, and on graduation, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Law.

Assignments and Pastoral Work

After ordination to priesthood, Fr Godfrey Ocamringa served in the following ministries:

1996-1997            Assistant Parish Priest – Aboke Catholic Parish, Catholic Diocese of Lira – Uganda, serving at the same time as Teacher at Aboke Minor Seminary in the Catholic Diocese of Lira – Uganda

1998-1999            Teacher and Formator – Apostles of Jesus Minor Seminary at Uru, Moshi – Tanzania

2000-2009            Assistant Parish Priest – Komuge Catholic Parish, Catholic Diocese of Musoma – Tanzania, serving at the same time as Chaplain and Teacher at Komuge Catechetical School.

2014-2015            Assistant Parish Priest – Bomu Catholic Parish, Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa – Kenya.

2016-2024            Chancellor – Catholic Diocese of Klerksdorp, South Africa, serving at the same time and in different periods as Parish Priest at:

St John Parish Tigane

St.  Joseph Parish Ottosdal

Immaculate Conception Parish Okney

Maria Mamohau Parish at Kanana, and

Sacred Heart Parish at Vaal Reefs.

His Illness and Demise

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Klerskdorp – South Africa, described Fr Godfrey’s demise as follows: On the 6th July 2024, Fr. Godfrey Ocamringa arrived at the Chancery for a meeting with the Bishop. As he came into the meeting, he felt unwell and asked for a time to rest. A few minutes later, he started showing serious signs of discomfort.  A meeting attendee and the Bishop volunteered to take him to a doctor. Unfortunately he was too weak and he instead requested to have the doctor come to him. In a few minutes, the Diocesan doctor was called and he arrived, he assisted to get an Ambulance. The paramedics arrived but it was too late. In a matter of 30 minutes since his arrival at the Chancery, Fr Godfrey passed on.

Tribute

At the time of death, he was 58 years old. He is the 225th member of the Institute of the Apostles of Jesus. He was a consecrated religious for 37 years and served as an ordained priest for 28 years.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Klerksdorp described who Fr. Godfrey is in these words: “He was a man of faith, prayer, compassion, loyalty, competence and he was ever present. He was sent to me by the Apostles of Jesus to specifically support me in my ministry, in my episcopal responsibilities and in my challenges”.

We thank his parents, and the family that offered him to the Institute of the Apostles of Jesus and to the Church. (Parents and/or Family members stand for recognition)

We give thanks to God for the life and service of the late Fr. Godfrey in the Church through the Institute of the Apostles of Jesus.

The Requiem Mass was held on Friday 12 July, 2024 at the Holy Redeemer Cathedral in Klerksdorp from 8am. The Mass starts at 10am.

He will be laid to rest after Funeral Mass at the Apostles of Jesus Lima Cemetery at Nakaseke, in the Catholic Diocese of Kasana-Luwero – Uganda.

Prayer: Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. And let Perpetual Light shine upon him, May he rest in Peace! Amen!