Summary:
- Oceku began his catechism work in 1965. In 1973, he attended a Grade II Catechist course in Bukedea, followed by further training in 1989 at Kidetok, where he completed a Grade III Catechist course.
KATAKWI: The Soroti Catholic Diocese, Toroma Denary and St. Pankarus Toroma have paid tribute to Tadeo Oceku, a long-serving senior catechist who dedicated his life to the missions from 1965 until his retirement at St. Simon Magoro in 2018.
Oceku began his catechism work in 1965. In 1973, he attended a Grade II Catechist course in Bukedea, followed by further training in 1989 at Kidetok, where he completed a Grade III Catechist course.
Before his appointment as Head Catechist at St. Simon Magoro, where he served from 1993 to 2018, the Soroti Catholic Diocese entrusted Oceku with catechist responsibilities across several churches, including Kokorio, Usuk, Akoboi, Alukucok, Abwanget, Olilim, and Aparisia.
Rev. Fr. Daniel Oret, parish priest of St. Simon Magoro, who presided over the burial liturgy, praised Oceku as a devoted catechist who took great joy in his work and desired to continue even after retirement. Oret noted that Oceku mentored many priests between 1989 and 2018 and consistently delivered the gospel with the dedication of a trained reverend father.
In his message of encouragement to the family, Rev. Fr. Pius Otim, parish priest of St. Pankarus Toroma, urged them to find hope in God’s mercy and to emulate Oceku’s steadfast faith. He likened Oceku’s passing to Moses’ journey to the Promised Land, where Moses died before reaching his final destination.
Among the chief mourners was Walter Elakas Okiring, former LCV Katakwi and MP candidate for Toroma, who remembered Oceku as a catechist who taught Christians to honor their elders, in line with the fifth commandment to “Honor your father and mother.”
A group of Christians, including James Edangat Okello, Director of the Magoro Choir, remembered Oceku as a mentor and advisor who promoted mutual respect and love within the community.
Tadeo Oceku, born on May 11, 1945, passed away on Saturday, September 22, 2024, at Katakwi General Hospital due to complications from prostate enlargement, pneumonia, malaria, and low blood pressure.
He was laid to rest on Wednesday at his home in Aguya village, Aparisia parish, Angodingod Sub-county, Toroma County, Katakwi District, in the presence of hundreds of mourners.
