Author: Anne

Over 30 Catholic priests in CDTY Conclude the 10 days workshop

By Joseph Ernesto.

About 34 catholic priests of the catholic diocese of Tambura Yambio have concluded 10 days program under the theme “coming home”

The catholic priests underwent several spiritual moments in the ten days including training for capacity development for clergy which has been facilitated by Christian Research and Advisory Trust of Africa CORAT.

Speaking during a closing ceremony, the bishop of the catholic dioceses of Tambura Yambio His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala urges priests to operate in hard situations to improve life citing that, they have to learn the methods and means of how to do things and move forward within the fragile situation, therefore they have put God ahead as they laid the foundation.

On his part Rev Fr. John Medeni, the pastoral coordinator of CDTY expresses his gratitude to his fellow priests for being together for ten days adding that they have taken and they are enriched especially spiritually, citing that, they have learnt a lot. He advised that, as they are going to depart to their various parishes and institutions, they should put all that they have learned into action.

Rev. Fr Babie Victor the episcopal vicar of Holy Cross Nzara added that the coming together of all the priests in the Catholic Diocese of Tambura-Yambio is significant as it’s aimed at training the priests to be resourceful and open-minded to the realities of the contemporary world as well as to grow despite the difficult moment they undergo. He further urged his fellow priests to implement what they had learned during the training, citing that the output of the implementation will put smiles on their faces.

 CORAT representative Mr. Fred Olweny acknowledged that CORAT will forever be their partner in capacity development though he was not certain on how long he will be with CORAT but insisted that CORAT will remain as a partner even if he leaves the organization.

Bishop Eduardo’s Vision Blossoms: Gangura Parish Achieves Agricultural Self-Sufficiency

By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA

Back in June 26^th, 2023, Bishop Eduardo suggested that every parish should cultivate at least one or two acres of land to grow food, providing sustenance and income for the community. On his visit to Fr. Ezekiel, the Parish Priest of Corpus Christi, Gangura, on 19^th, October, Bishop Eduardo was elated with the progress made by Fr. Ezekiel and congratulated him for taking his recommendation to the latter.

“I would like to congratulate and thank Fr. Ezekiel for taking my recommendation to the Latter and Spirit way back in June, he continued, “I had requested every parish to make at least one or two acres to grow some foodstuff for the parish for income and I am happy to tell you that for Fr. Ezekiel took this message from me to the latter and he made two acres”.

The local ordinary of CDTY added that Fr. Ezekiel has toiled tirelessly, planting rows of maize and beans. In the spaces between he carefully natured the growth of over a thousand coffee plants, “he has planted maize and beans and then in between he planted coffee over 1000 of coffee planted in that under in that field where now we can see maize and then beans and I’m so happy, I’m really happy and I can see the future that when the clarity go in with their faithful they can be able to turn around things”.

In his message shared with Rurugene Online, the prelate added that Fr. Ezekiel has also ventured further into planting a variety of fruit trees – passion fruits, papayas, bananas, pineapples, and oranges.

“I also realized that Fr.  Ezekiel has already planted numerous types of food trees, passion fruits, papaya, bananas, pineapples, and oranges, already that are in his parish so I’m so thankful that a priest in this village in this remote area of Gangura is now on the way to self-reliant and that’s the way we have to go with a famous slogan of the Diocese, on one hand, is the Holy Bible on one hand and the other hand is the hoe, and that’s the way we can be able to consolidate the Kingdom of God in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio Western Equatoria State, South Sudan”.

He added that Fr. Ezekiel’s actions spoke volumes, illustrating the essence of self-reliance and sustainable living.

 “Fr. Ezekiel has plenty of grains that he can use for himself, for feeding, he can use for the people who stay with him in the parish, he can sell for the development of his own parish, and I’m so happy to have seen this and I congratulate him and encourage him to go an extra mile in the same way, and the next year he can increase the size of this garden”.

In his 26^th, June statement, bishop Eduardo stressed that donor support is dwindling and therefore they need to change their mindset and face the reality.

He also said that relief and donation are not the solution but improving productive activities like cultivation will raise the standards of people, “I firmly believe that relief and charity are not the solutions. My premise is that to raise the standards of living, people need to improve their own productive activities – in this case, cultivation, livestock, and fishing. That is why I am directing all parishes and institutions to promote this paradigm shift or deliverance from a bad mindset.

Fr. Babu Stands with the Struggling: Pleads with the Officials or Authorities to Take Action and Resolve the Crisis

By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA

Amidst the lush, green landscape of Iba County, a small community nestled between Yambio and Juba, a calamity struck that would disrupt the lives of its residents. It was a day like any other until heavy rain, typical of the region’s tropical climate, lashed down upon the county. The rain poured relentlessly, swelling the gentle Kuyongu Stream into a raging river, powerful enough to wash away the sturdy bridge that connected Juba to Bahr El Ghazal Via 08 counties. It separate Meridi County and Yambio County. It is precisely on the historical track road.

As news of the bridge’s collapse spread through the county, a sense of worry and apprehension settled over the people. The bridge had been a lifeline, facilitating not only the movement of goods and services but also the passage of families, friends, and travelers between the towns. Now, with the bridge gone, the vital link between Yambio and Juba was severed.

In the heart of this crisis, Fr. Babu visited the site to be in solidarity with the members of this community and he called upon the officials to come and save the situation. Fr. Babu’s visit provided emotional and spiritual support to the community members during this challenging time.

Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala Lauds Fr. Ezekiel’s Dedication in Bringing Education to the Remote

By Sr. Henriette Anne

On his visit to Corpus Christi Parish in Gangura, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala was elated with the positive impact Fr. Ezekiel and other teachers have had in the Gangura area something he described as “alight in the darkness”.

“I paid a visit yesterday to Corpus Christi Catholic Parish in Gangura to meet Father Ezekiel, I went to visit the school that is running in that remote village and I must tell you that it is a light in the darkness”.

In his message shared through WhatsApp with Rurugene Online, the prelate added that the dedication of Fr. Ezekiel to providing education and a caring environment for the children is commendable, and it is wonderful to hear that the children are thriving and filled with joy.

 “All over the area, this school is giving hope to the community giving hope to the children and so despite the challenges that he has support for the teachers, infrastructure, and the school items the joy of children, the brightness of the children when I could ask them many questions according to their level, they were able to answer them courageously”.

The local ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio emphasized on his message on the importance of supporting such individuals who are making a difference in their communities.

“So, I want to pray and ask those people goodwill to consider people like this and a priest living in this remote village like this place and he is able to provide a learning space for children and he has also had a friendly space where he talks to the children, where the children are playing, where children are cared for, it’s just amazing, just great”.

One-on-One with Fr. Francis Plato: A Tale of Faith, Education, and Community

Fr. Francis

“I am happy here with our community and they are happy with me. I do visit chapels and centers for pastoral care and the needs of sacraments. I go twice a month to Ibba Girls Boarding School for Holy Eucharistic Celebration and for penance. This month is dedicated to Our Lady of Holy Rosary, I distribute the Holy Rosaries to the Christians who come regularly for Holy Mass and to children who come to clean around church and house. I do teach in school. We have a good number of pupils who are under our care learning both education and discipline with good morals. They are happy with some changes in infrastructure. Still hoping and praying for a good infrastructure school.

Praying for PEACE in PMC, Israel, and in the world.

Bless us and pray for us.”

Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA

The update above from Fr. Francis Plato, from Ibba Parish shows that the community of Ibba is thriving under his care. His dedication to pastoral work and education is truly commendable and the positive impact he is making in the lives of the people and students there. His efforts at the Ibba Girls Boarding School and his involvement in the community reflect his deep commitment to nurturing both the spiritual and educational growth of those around him.

Fr. Francis Plato shares his experience in an inclusive interview with Rurugene Online on how is balancing his pastoral work and teaching in school.

Rurugene Online: Can you share more about your experiences visiting the chapels and centers for pastoral care? What are the most rewarding aspects of this work?

Fr. Francis: Pastoral Care is fulfilling the needs of spiritual and socio aspects to grow in faith and morals. It draws many people to pray and to value the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In pastoral Care one does not have to expect rewards but instead a fulfillment of my commitment to Evangelization to God’s people. I avail myself of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation every week and whenever faithful requests. Once a month I send the charismatic group on Friday to Sunday to pray and on Saturday visit chapels/centers to give penitential and on Sunday to celebrate Holy Eucharistic and give sacraments. The fruit of the Gospel is witnessed by the faithful through active participation and joyful celebrations.

The most rewarding aspect of this work is the Joy of celebrating Holy Eucharistic with Christians who are unaware of Christ and His values in a simple way is to bring Christ to the abandoned.

Rurugene Online: Tell us about your role in Ibba Girls Boarding School. What changes have you witnessed, especially concerning the students’ educational and moral development?

Fr. Francis: I am one of the board members along with Fr. Babu. Ibba boarding school is another possibility where we used to get a chance to go and give some guidelines to the girls in faith-based teachings and moral values. Morally I feel it’s a great opportunity to visit now and then especially in their hygiene and sanitary sections girls need a lot of our support in guiding them even in their MHM. So, I advise them to help their parents when they go home and maintain distance from their opponents.  When they go home, I advise them to maintain a good relationship with everybody. Spiritually, I visit every alternative Sunday to Celebrate Holy Eucharistic with them and once a month I give penitential. Whenever they seek some counseling, I listen and guide them. I speak about their vocation and faith formation.

Rurugene Online: You mentioned improvements in infrastructure at the school. Could you elaborate on these?

Fr. Francis: At the time I came to Ibba Fr. Babu appointed me to serve as Head Teacher of St. Charles Lwanga Nursery and Primary School in Ibba. We have nine classes, among them the three classes’ pupils are in decent shelters sitting on benches, three classes’ pupils are sitting on bricks, broken trees as branches under a mango tree, and, another three classes are under the grass roofing. They don’t have proper classrooms and benches and teaching aids, even a latrine outside the classrooms and an infrastructure to conduct exams there is no computer system and printing system, and qualified teachers who can teach with teaching materials and are passionate about teaching. The prayers and blessings of Our Beloved Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala encouraged me to do something for the school.  Fr. Babu supported me in making roofing for five classes and made benches for two classrooms. We brought some qualified teachers as part-timers to come and teach. Since the roofing was made and brought some teachers this gave hope to the community to send their children to school. The pupils increased in numbers. There will be the building of a hygienic latrine and hoping for some more development in the school. Here and there I have tried to put things in place. I teach them to Work hard rather than wait for anyone to do work for them. I Work Hand in Hand with them, building our Common place of learning, keeping the place clean, gardening, and promoting physical fitness by affording sports time where they can keep fit. I’m very proud of our school children in that they have so far learned to be responsible young adults.

Rurugene Online: In your message, you expressed the importance of peace and mentioned praying for it in PMC, Israel, and the world. Why do you believe peace is crucial, and what role do you see your community playing in promoting peace?

Fr. Francis: As a Christian, I strongly believe and live to the end of life- Peace – which Christ left. So, in our community, I instill the importance of peace through the apt examples of severe consequences of extremism and violence in the world and help the people to value the peace obtained through freedom with the help of the Word of God We pray for Peace, in various countries eg. in Israel, Ukraine, and other suffering countries too. Peace is important because God wants His children to live in peace because Jesus by redeeming the world (us). Peace alone helps us to experience God. He meant us to live in Peace and in freedom. My community prays for Peace and tries to live in harmony with each other. A day is observed to fast and pray for peace. Being a member of PMC peace is important and to be preached and practiced and lived in Peace.

Rurugene Online: You mentioned teaching in school. What subjects do you teach, and what teaching methods have you found most effective in your classroom?

Fr. Francis: I would like to teach all subjects in fact I take all subjects when I lack sufficient teachers while they take leave in our school. I specifically teach English and Christian Religious Studies and Social Studies. I teach the importance of English as the foundation for all subjects since the language of the subject is English. Every week three times we call pupils for an assembly and ask pupils to come volunteer to translate into the local language and deliver a message, in such a way, I train the pupils. Every week pupils have topics for debates, and eloquent speeches prepared will be delivered.  Topics will be given on the spot to deliver a talk at a specific time. They will be given gifts and prizes. The pupils who score first, second, and third marks in the exam will be rewarded.

Rurugene Online: How do you balance your pastoral duties, teaching responsibilities, and community involvement? Are there specific challenges you face, and how do you overcome them?

Fr. Francis: The very life of a priest is the profound call to live to the needs of the souls. So, the need arises in every realm of life either in pastoral ministry or education or in community life, and of course, the challenges are there as Jesus Himself faced a lot. As a follower, I too have a few, specifically the lack of expertise to train and accommodate any efforts in concern. I find my strength to overcome any such challenge with prayer and meditation having the example of Mother Mary’s contemplations in her heart about anything befalls in the life stream. The specific challenge I face in my mission is a lack of understanding of communications.

Rurugene Online: Looking forward, what are your hopes and aspirations for your community and the school? Are there specific goals or projects you are working on to further enhance the well-being and education of the people you serve?

Fr. Francis: my goal for now is to reform the Pius movements and renovate chapels and centers. And for the school, upgrade trained teachers, build latrine and bring more benches for leaners.

Eight Educational Centers Unite to Create Memorable Catholic School Day

By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA

As each parish celebrated Catholic School Day in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, eight educational centers of Rii Yubu Payam came together and celebrated the day with diverse activities to create a memorable experience for everyone. The combination of religious ceremonies, community meals, student performances, teacher recognition, and sports activities demonstrates a holistic approach to celebrating the importance of education.

The celebration of the Eucharist was held to bless and give thanks for the education and the opportunity to learn and providing a meal for everyone in attendance is a great way to bring people together and ensure that nobody goes hungry.

During the celebration, the performance of the eight schools was recognized to showcase the talents and achievements of the students from each of the eight educational centers leading to celebrating the hard work and dedication of students.

The organizers of the celebration also noted that recognizing and rewarding the best teachers is an excellent way to motivate educators and highlight their contribution to the community.

The eight educational centers also involved in football matches as a fun and competitive activity that brings people of all ages together, to promote physical fitness and teamwork.

Other schools that honored the day inluded;

1-TOMBURA: 8 Educational centers celebrated
2- Gangura-Yambio: with two Educational centres 
3- Riimenze: with 5 Educational centers…
4- Naandi: with 4 Educational centers…
5- Ibba: 3 Educational centers….
6- meridi: with 5 Educational centers

 In his homily on the day of St Daniel Comboni day, Bishop Edwardo said thousands of children particularly in Yambio County are out of school, and he questioned parents of their obligation to support those children to go back to school.

Fr. Medeni Advocates for Monthly Prayers in Schools to Foster Holistic Education

By Kutiote James Martin

The Priest in the Catholic Diocese of Tambura Yambio has urged the administration of all the schools under the Diocese to organize monthly prayers for both Nursery, Primary, and secondary students.

“When we teach our children well to know God and to know education we shall have a good community, a good future in a good country. I suggest the schools including nursery, primary, and secondary should always have a kind of mass, it is good you request the pastoral to provide chaplains in your schools we should also have catchiest in primary schools to catechize pupils who are not receiving holy communion and those who are not baptized”, Fr. Medeni revealed.    

Speaking to the congregants during the feast of St. Daniel Comboni and the celebration of Catholic School Day in CDTY, under the theme “Save Africa by Africa” Fr. John Medeni the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator who doubled as the Parish priest of St. Justin Basukangbi Catholic Parish said, “It is an obligation of the catholic doctrine to instruct children both morally, physically, and spiritually in all aspects of life”.

He added that having a chaplain and Catechist in charge of spiritual activities in the schools will enable children to be God-fearing as they come closer to God in Baptism, holy Eucharist, and confirmation.

He advised the teachers not to concentrate on giving more theories to the children but they should learn how to do practical work which will help them in their future,

He made the remarks during the Eucharistic Celebration on Tuesday in St. Daniel Comboni Primary School premises in Nzara County.

By integrating spiritual education into the school system, Father Medeni believes that children will grow up with a strong foundation in both faith and academics, contributing to the development of a virtuous and knowledgeable community. This approach aligns with the Catholic doctrine’s emphasis on instructing children in moral, physical, and spiritual aspects of life.

Church Must Take Media Seriously”, Reveals Nigerian Catholic Priest

By Joseph Ernesto

A Catholic priest from the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has called on the Catholic Churches to consider media as an important tool for information in all aspects of lives in any way to move forward in the Morden world.

Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku the director of Catholic television in the Archdiocese of Abuja speaking during his 65^th Birthday ceremony on Tuesday, October 10^th, 2023, says “Social communication is as important for the church as it is our world today” citing that we live the age of information and communications technologies.

Fr. Alumuku who hailed from Benue State of Nigeria was born on October 10^th, 1958, and ordained as a catholic priest at the of 21 on May 16^th, 1981. He worked with the Vatican media for 12 years as a contributor to the African synod program on Vatican Radio Rome before becoming the founding director of the Catholic television in Abuja.

In a related development, he announced the migration of Catholic Television in Abuja to DSTV before the end of the year 2023.

He added, “We live in the age of the media and you either use the media, or you get burnished, the church must take the media seriously because today everybody is on the media, whether on social media or formal media” he explained.

Alumuku advised that media is the only medium of passing information, citing that important messages can go viral on media it is being prioritized.

THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TOMBURA-YAMBIO CELEBRATES ITS ANNUAL CATHOLIC EDUCATION DAY UNDER ITS PATRON SAINT DANIEL COMBONI ON 10.10.2023.

By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA

As the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio celebrates Catholic School Day today 10/10/2023, Bishop Eduardo has described this day as a day to honor the great St. Daniel Comboni who was a beacon of hope and enlightenment in South Sudan and Sudan.

According to bishop Eduardo, Catholic School Day was initiated in 2012, the diocese declared St. Daniel Comboni as the patron saint of all Catholic schools, an honor he truly deserved. His legacy was not just a tale of religious fervor, but also a narrative of social transformation and empowerment, especially in the African nations of Sudan and South Sudan. He added that St. Daniel Comboni’s teachings had transcended mere religious boundaries. He had brought forth not only the gospel of Christ but also the gift of education and social development. His vision was simple yet profound: to empower the people, to liberate them from ignorance, and to enable them to seek their rights and freedom explicitly.

“In 2012 we initiated Catholic school day while we celebrate St Daniel Comboni and we decreed him in our Synod as the patron Saint of all our Catholic schools, Daniel Comboni is spared and loved and showed direction for the people of Africa and particularly the people in South Sudan who are now part of them in the Republic of Sudan. Daniel Comboni brought not only faith, the gospel of Christ but also the social development that included among many education sector and this actually has set a crowd for the people of South Sudan to get their liberation to get their freedom and to be able to explicitly seek their rights and this has actually been at the core of all the pursuit of justice and peace and the development in the Republic of South Sudan and in Sudan and so the CDTY values the missionary work of St. Daniel Comboni,  what he has brought a faith that is transformed life here and also education we also match the Daniel Comboni, therefore, all our Catholic schools are embodied under the patronage of St. Daniel Comboni”, bishop Eduardo narrated.

In his message shared with Rurugene through WhatsApp, the prelate underscored that the celebration of the day focuses on instilling unwavering trust in God, to provide education to all, regardless of age or gender, and cultivating the essence of true service and leadership.

“The celebration focuses primarily on three things one to believe and trust in God, God takes the first place in our life and He is the center of all we do for children in school, for teachers, for parents, for our community, and number two is to provide education to all people, all categories, children, adults, and women and men, education in all formatted skilled event, tertiary, university  all these form under the patronage of St. Daniel Comboni and this is meant to empower all the people of Republic and this Diocese, we also would like to stand that education that we’re are seeking must be excellent and to be people of service and that is what I would like our Catholic schools to focus on”.

He stressed that education is the cornerstone of a peaceful nation, with pens and papers in hand