With deep respect and solemnity, the body of the late Dr. Ciprian Opira was welcomed back home in Gulu on November 2nd at Customs Corner, where the Bishop of Arua Diocese, Sabino Odoki Ocan, and Monsignor Mathew Odong received him, offered a word of prayer, and blessed the casket.
As the procession continued to the city, the air, filled with grief written all over the faces of the mourners who escorted the body to the city, blew lightly on the residents who lined up the streets to welcome their beloved son and Dr. back home.
Accompanied by a 30-minute rain, the body reached the vicinity of Lacor Hospital, with pupils of Mother Angioletta lining along the road under the rain, flowering the way until the gate of the hospital, where the community gathered and paid their respects.
A team of traditional dancers led him into the hospital where the new Archbishop of Gulu, Raphael Wokorach p’Mony welcomed him, said a word of prayer and comforted the bereaved family, friends, and the hospital.
With a heavy heart, Dr. Odong Emintone Ayella, the hospital’s Medical director, gave a brief eulogy and stated that the city councils organized a special sitting that is to be held at the City Council hall on a day yet to be disclosed. He said the late Dr. will be laid to rest on Saturday 9th in the hospital among the four heroes – Drs Lucille, Corti, Lukwiya, and Bro. Elio Croce.
