Author: Anne

In Advocating for More Sustainable Agriculture, Prelate Appeals to Each Parish to Have One Acre Farm

By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA

Ahead of World Food Day (WFD) marked on October 16 annually, bishop Eduardo, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio (CDTY) appeals to all Parishes and institutions under CDTY to have one-acre farms during this rainy season in order to have food surplus.

Basing his reflection on the book of Genesis 2:15, he said, “The Lord took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. Therefore, I, the Bishop of the diocese of Tombura Yambio am calling upon all of the Parishes and Institutions under my diocese to start a one-acre farm (or more as per your capacity) during this rainy season. In so doing, we shall have food in our houses, and even have a surplus to give to those in need including the vulnerable among us”.  He continued, “The Bible in Proverbs 12: 11 further states the importance of farming by saying that; ‘’those who work on their land will have abundant food…’’ Therefore, let us purposely make a conscious effort in starting to farm in earnest by creating not less than one acre of the farm so that there may be food in the institution and parish. The produce from these farms can further be converted into money for our benefit”.

In his June 26, 2023 statement, the Catholic Bishop noted that the donor’s support is dwindling and therefore they need to change their mindset and face reality.

“With dwindling support from funding partners in Europe and the USA, we need to call on the support of those who benefit from our work to stand with our policy of diocesan reconnaissance or paradigm shift of our mindset to face the monster already devouring us each day”, he explained.

 To achieve this thought, he gave the following direction for July – October planting season;

“Parishes to open One Acre obligatory for your given place of work and the one Acre of land must be within the official church-leased land. One Acre is an obligation by this directive to make it realized by any given parish or institution. This directive does not prevent creativity of any place should they wish to do more than one acre.  He added You are allowed to use Sunday collections twice a month from July to November 2023 to support the realization of this initiative. Parishes or institutions are allowed to make special fundraising to finance this project. This call is open also to any creative and effective chapels, Centers or quasi-parishes, or small institutions. The Crops to be planted on the Acre farm will be determined by the nature of the land in that designated plot. We suggest maize, sesame, sorghum, beans, or G/nuts. Will be waiting for feedback on this enterprise from the responsible of their allotted places.  The first report on farming activities will be expected in the first week in the month of October.  A Parish Food Security Taskforce must be established to monitor every progress at every stage. Reporting and updates must be to the faithful or members every week”.

He further 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.

He also suggested that an exchange program be organized where all the products of all kinds can go around in exchange and at the same time encouraging the building of houses and handing over to the poorest who cannot afford to own a house.

He added, “we are privileged in this part of the country to have fertile land that receives rain that enables us to farm and eat from our farms. Let us not shy away from farming and embark on this practice in earnest. I suggest that we consider planting crops like; maize, beans, groundnuts, cassava, rice, potatoes, and any other that will yield fruits for us”.

To execute this program and bring out true development and a change in people’s minds, the prelate stressed to all the stakeholders not to give anything for free since this gesture makes them become independent and lose dignity, he continued, try and fathom the real need of each parish and her people in the selection of crops which they find comfortable to plant and to make sure that there is full participation of all parishioners so that they take ownership of their farm.

On the issues of funding, he said, “we can execute this noble project by soliciting help from our Christians (in the case of Parishes) and from the members of our institutions e.g. students. I am also directing that we keep aside offerings for two Sundays and use them for the purposes of farming. From the offerings, we can be able to purchase seeds, and clear and plow the land. When we start farms, the promises of God in Deuteronomy 16:15 will be our portion, and the Lord will bless our harvests so that we shall have bounty harvests. The Lord will also bless the work of our hands so that we shall be joyful in His name”.

Meet Mrs. Anna Aquila, a Student at SARD Institute Aiming to Embrace Agri-Culture as a Full-Time Job

By Baraka John

Anna Aquila Gift is a young vibrant lady who hails from Western Equatoria state, aspiring to become a self-reliant woman in the near future through the practicing of agriculture as the source of income.

During the interview with the Rurugene reporter, Mrs. Anne revealed that her aim is to open up a big farm once she completes her 16 months of agricultural training at the institute.

Standing in the middle of her demonstration farm, Anna explains to the visiting state minister for agriculture and CDTY Bishop, how she gradually getting transformed from a localized farming system into the modern one.

She added that the 16-month course would highly change her life because she believed to start something new.

“I’m committed here to get modern skills of farming. I need this skill to turn around things. My focus is to become an innovative farmer in Western Equatoria state who will be supplying food across and beyond the country”, Anna stated.

Western Equatoria state is blessed with fertile land that needs no chemicals to rejuvenate the land for a better yield. Young people have mostly been encouraged by the state government and the Church to embark on farming to do away with poverty and hunger.

Mr. Marcello Constamtino a tutor at SARD Institute disclosed that most of the students who have completed their 16-month course and have been attached at Riimenze farm for monthly practical sessions awaiting their graduation.

SARD Institute aims to design and offer agricultural training programs in modern sustainable agriculture for rural development.

The institute based its emphasis on Agri- perineural training, so as to improve the agricultural skills and knowledge leading to production, marketing, peaceful and food-secure society.

The agricultural institute offers three categories of courses for 16 months, 6 months, and 1 week.

“Let the Sacred Heart of Jesus Remind You of the Mystery of the Love of God”, Bishop Urge Devotee

By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA

On the occasion of Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Devotee across CDTY have been called to let the Sacred Heart of Jesus remind them of the mystery of the love of God for the people of all times and as His followers are called to do the same.

In his homily he said, “St. Louis de Montfort said of our Blessed Mother’s Immaculate Heart, “If you put all the love of all the mothers into one heart, it still would not equal the love of the heart of Mary for her children.” When we honor the Immaculate Heart, we give ultimate honor to Jesus”.

He added, “The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has a great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and indeed a very strong devotional group who are very energetic and huge empowerment for the diocese”.

The devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in CDTY are over 5000 members in all 35 parishes they hold special celebrations as they all make devotional promises for one year to practice the true love of God.

Referring to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he said, “The Sacred Heart is the actual heart of Christ and also indicates His love for humanity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The prayer of the Church venerates and honors the Heart of Jesus just as it invokes his most holy name. It adores the incarnate Word and his Heart which, out of love for men, he allowed to be pierced by our sins.” (CCC 2669).

Associated with St. Margaret Mary Alacoque who saw multiple visions of the Sacred Heart between 1673 and 1675, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has been celebrated all over the world since 1856 during the time of Pius IX where devotees honor the heart of Jesus as a symbol of “God’s boundless and passionate love for humankind.” 

State Minister for Agriculture and CDTY Bishop Inspects SARD Institute in Support of Changing Social and Economic Condition of Society Through Agriculture

By Baraka John     

The State Minister of Agriculture and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura -Yambio on Tuesday 20^th June 2023 morning, paid an inspection visit to the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture for Rural Development (SARD) to inspect the practical learning of different components of agriculture.

Hon. Alison Barnaba and His Lordship Barani Edwardo Hiiboro met with the students of SARD Institute and encouraged them to commit to agricultural work as one way to alleviate hunger in the community.

In his message of encouragement, Hon. Alison Barnaba called upon the students to use the skills they are acquiring in the field to change the style of farming system in the State.

The minister expresses his ministry’s readiness to work hand in hand with the SARD institute to promote and encourage farming in the state through acquiring modern skills in agriculture.

 “What we are after is, we are trying to increase our productivity of agriculture, and this has been our policy that all South Sudanese must engage in business agriculture farming. We need our people to be rich, to be able to pay school fees of their kids, maintain their lives, and even donate relief assistance to other countries” Minister Barnaba stated.

 The minister added, “This is purely the initiative of the Catholic Church to support the poor people, to overcome poverty in the region by only to farming oil will never last for a hundred years but agricultural farming will last for a hundred years”.  

Meanwhile, Barani Edwardo Hiiboro welcomed the visit of the agriculture minister to see for himself the development at the institute, he noted, the SARD institute aims to bring peace to the community through cultivation to fight out hunger.

“The common enemy is hunger, if everybody is eating, there will be no conflict, so this is a farm for peace, these students are working to bring peace to the Country. We as the diocese open up to collaborate with the State Ministry of Agriculture because we want to educate everybody to produce enough food in our State”, Bishop Hiiboro explained.  

SARD Institute is an initiative of the CDTY initiated in 2021, with the sole objective to transform a peaceful, food secure, and economically enable society through improved modern sustainable agriculture for rural development.

Rev. Fr. Basana Alfred Successfully Defends Thesis and Embodies Academic Excellence

By: Sem: Mboriidie Simon

In Rome, June 20, 2023 – in a momentous occasion that brought immense joy and pride to the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, Rev. Fr. Basana Alfred emerged triumphant as he successfully defended his thesis for a master’s degree at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, Italy.

Fr. Basana Alfred, demonstrated his strong dedication and commitment to academic pursuits by completing the rigorous curriculum of Physiology of Development in the Faculty of Science and Education.

This remarkable accomplishment highlights his deep understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing human development and emphasizes the vital role of psychology in fostering societal healing, supporting individuals traumatized by the effects of war, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that often result from war experiences.

During the defense, Fr Basana expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop of CDTY, Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, whose numerous supports played an instrumental role in enabling the successful completion of his master’s program.

“I am deeply grateful to my Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro for his invaluable support towards my studies, without his guidance and encouragement, this accomplishment would not have been possible”, Fr Alfredo stated.

He humbly promised to continue praying for the bishop’s mission and expressed his profound appreciation to the Christian community, fellow priests in CDTY, and his family for their prayers and support throughout his academic journey.

As Fr. Basana Alfred embarked on this intellectual quest, he faced the dual challenge of navigating a new language and advancing in age. However, with the film’s faith in God’s guidance and grace, he overcame these obstacles and emerged triumphant, demonstrating that anything is possible with faith and determination.

“When I started, it was difficult to navigate the complexities of a new language, but with God everything is possible” he revealed.

Present at the thesis defense was Fr. Hume George, a respected priest from the CDTY who conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Fr. Basana on behalf of the entire diocese.

Fr. George acknowledged the significance of this achievement, noting that Fr Basana’s success has brought immense pride and honor to CDTY.

YMAPS College, the Training Institution Known for Vocational Training, Offers Additional Wide Range of Short Courses

By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA

Yambio Institute of Management and Polytechnic Studies (YMAPS) recognizes the critical role played by continuous learning in an individual’s competitiveness and employability. Continuous learning provides a platform for enhancing technical and professional skills for personal development and keeping pace with the ever constantly changing world. It is in this view that YMAPS has noticed the need to offer short courses like Hotel Management, Catering, Bike Repairs, Basic Mechanic, and Watch Repair among others.

Rurugene Online News interviewed Mr. David Ngbanisa, the Principal of YMAPS in a bid to shed some light on the College, its history, the need to offer short courses as well as what it offers to society.

According to the Principal, the main aim of professional and short courses is to provide students with specific skills to earn more practical experience in a specific area of specialization adding that it is the only way of imparting skills required for the job market.

The principal further said that the YMAPS is the brainchild of Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) as an institute to commemorate the first Diocesan Centenary of CDTY from 1912-2012. The College started lectures in 2014 and held its first graduation ever on 16^th July 2022, with the joy of its tremendous growth, the board together with the bishop held a meeting on 14^th, Wednesday 2023 to discuss the best way of introducing new short courses.

When asked how the College is contributing to society, he stated that the YMAPS is already serving society, he continued, “Some of our students are commissioners of three countries, and others work in security and UN agencies”, he said.

YMAPS is known for offering courses that solve challenges in the locality like trauma healing and psychosocial support and Peace and conflict resolution among others.

He further stressed that YMAPS aims to empower the community and therefore the tuition fee affordable.

In their meeting with the bishop, he called upon the senior four leavers to join the institute and assured them of their capability to offer quality and the most updated knowledge to deliver comprehensive services in their cadres.

Mr. Simon Sungu, one of the Lectures reassured the general public of their adequate human resources to offer satisfactory teaching.  

“Perseverance is One of the Secrets of Success”, Bishop Hiiboro’s Message to Students of CUSS Yambio Campus

By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA

Bishop Hiiboro Eduardo Kussala, the Bishop of CDTY who doubles as the patron of the Catholic University of South Sudan’s St. John’s Yambio Campus, located in the city of Yambio in his message to students of the Catholic University of South Sudan, Yambio Campus said that “perseverance is one of the secrets to success”, stressing that the roads may be rough and zigzag but they must reach the top.

“Perseverance is one of the secrets of success. If we keep moving towards our goal, never quitting, we shall eventually reach it, as the St. John’s Campus’ motto: “Semper Sursum”- “Aim Always High” points to each one, especially you students”.

In his message signed on 17^th June 2023, Bishop Hiiboro acknowledged the importance of governors of all kinds including the student council since the role they play in offering support is crucial.

“Governors of all kinds including of students are critical in the life of a learning Institution. While they are not frontline staff, the role they play in supporting the education offered is crucial. They have four core functions: 1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; 2. Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organization and its students, and the performance management of staff; 3. Overseeing the financial performance of the organization and making sure its money is well spent; 4. Ensuring the voices of school stakeholders are heard. This role you squarely share in it as well”.

In so doing, he said “Student Plenary Assembly is a moment of grace, a celebration of hope, and a conviction of God’s enduring accompaniment. Like the disciples with Mary in the Upper Room, we were bonded in one common faith, one baptism, and one Lord. Despite our differences, which were many and intense at times, we came together with the best interest of the Church at heart”.

According to the prelate, the values of brotherhood, unity, justice, and peace in the present day are deteriorating, posing a challenge to students on what they can do to reverse the situation. He continued, “lack of God-fearing leaders – less integrity and poor option for honesty, who is going to change this trend?

Addressing the need for a better environment, the bishop said, “on ecology, there is a recognition of the urgency in addressing the environmental crises of our times and a commitment to join the Laudato Si’ Action Plan that I have repeatedly echoed from our Pope. I need you our students and staff to become believers in this. A hoe in One Hand theory. This call to action obliges us not only to care for our common home as a matter of planetary sustainability but also to a sense of God-given stewardship. Our response to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth is inextricably linked together”.

Consequently, he cautioned the students to avoid laziness and idle conversation which can not put food on their tables, and pleaded with them to change, be creative, and take positive initiative.

He echoed the Gospel message further, “I ask you to be Peace agents or activists! Jesus said, “I leave you peace, my peace I give to you.” Indeed, he was speaking of peace, which the world cannot give. Each individual must find time to experience that peace, being united with God. When such an individual who finds inner peace, shares that peace with the other, our earth will become a holy place to live in”.

He finally recognized the services rendered by the pioneers, saying, “Here I want to place on record the selfless and untiring services rendered by Rev. Fr. Maurice Ibiko the Director and Rev. Fr. Joseph Andrea Mbuniwia, Fr. Stefan Lecleir, and now Fr. Joseph Migidi along with the committed teaching and non-teaching members of the staff and all the co-workers of this Campus. I thank you all dear Students for your hard work and humility. Please love this University, you are the PIONEERS. Work hard and positively to leave LEGACY for centuries”.

Legion of Mary Group at Our Lady of Assumption Riimenze Parish in CDTY Undergo Training to Enhance Participation in Church Activities

By Sem. Ndangi William

Members of the Legion Maria Group at Our Lady of Assumption Riimenze Parish, in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura – Yambio (CDTY) received skills in leadership and group management organized by Fr. Charles Mbikoyo the parish Priest and Mr. Gbia Undere Richard, the head of the Catechists of CDTY as the facilitator.

According to a Saturday, 10 June report, the workshop that was organized by the parish Priest Fr. Charles Mbikoyo sought to elect leaders who will lead the group for the next three years and to foster quality services and people participation in activities and commitment to the group.

The 34 participants in the one-day workshop were major members of the Legion Maria group.

The training that was spearheaded by Fr. Charles focused on, leadership, commitment, opening up a farm to support the group activities, how to be always with the Blessed Virgin Mary, and carrying out activities from home to home with prayers for the sick.

In his message, Fr. Charles Mbikoyo who doubles as the director of the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP), the Social Wing of CDTY says, I am happy to see how the faithful has responded to any workshop being called, he added, I am convinced that with the knowledge they have been given, they are going to spread the skills to the centers and Chapels so that they can come together and make their Legion of Maria group active”, he said.

Fr. Charles further said to the Legion Maria group, “I came here as a parish Priest not to be to myself only but to be with the people, the community, to all the devotional groups and to make sure that those who are unable to receive Christ should be able to receive despite the distance”, and echoing the words of Monsignor José Maria, he said, “the service of a Priest is to take the Gospel to the people, to give oneself completely to help those in need and to be the servant of the people and for the people”.

Fr. Charles hopes to replicate the program in all devotional groups.