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.
2023
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 16th July 2022, with the joy of its tremendous growth, the board together with the bishop held a meeting on 14th, 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.
2023
“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 17th 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”.
2023
Celebration of Sacred Heart of Jesus at Mid-West Holy Spirit Deanery and Mid-East Deanery
In preparation for the celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Charles Mbikoyo, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption, Riimenze parish organized a workshop for the devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to equip them with the knowledge about the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The facilitators Mr. Kpatamara and Mr. Justine reminded the devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the importance of their group in the Catholic Church.
Fr. Mbikoyo further express he wishes that all the devotional groups should have a bond of understanding between them and the parish as well as with other devotional groups so that the work of God can move forward, and not bring segregation amidst themselves.
Mrs. Marriana one of the devotees extended her happiness for the lesson she had acquired from the workshop adding that she would Wish that it can continue like that so that those Who have left may return to their group to do the work of God.
She further thanked the Parish Priest for the love he has shown to different devotional groups.
In his reflection to the hundreds of Sacred Hearts of Jesus devotees and Christians, Fr. Abbas looked at Jesus as the best ruler who loves his subjects and delegates power to them to act in his name. He added that the call and choice of the 12 tribes of Israel by God and the 12 apostles by Christ are symbolic in our calls today to serve God in different ways and in various apostolic groups.
He challenged the devotees to know whether they will fulfill all their vows to the Lord and to serve the Lord diligently through their brother and sister.
The Hon. County Commissioner who was in attendance advised the Christians to work hard in order to produce more food to combat the high inflation in the markets and to remain faithful in their undertakings.
2023
“Perseverance is One of the Secrets of Success”, Bishop of 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 17th 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”.
2023
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.
2023
South Sudanese Prelate Encouraged Christians to Pray for an Increase in Farm Produce and Birth Rate
By Baraka John
As the Catholic Church commemorated the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Corpus Christi, South Sudanese Prelate has requested Christians in all parishes of Tombura-Yambio Diocese to pray for an increase in farm productivity in the farming season to avert hunger.
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi is normally marked by a procession with the Blessed Sacrament.
Each parish from the six deaneries did a procession to celebrate the day. In the central deanery, thousands of Christians held a 3km procession to pray for an increase in farm productivity.
The procession that was themed “Hail Jesus Christ in a Holy Eucharist” started from Yambio State Hospital to St Mary Mother of God Parish which included Christians from St Josephine Bakitha Parish and Patience at the State hospital joined the parishioners for the prayers.
In his homily, Bishop Edwardo called on Christians to take time and pray for an increase in farm production as well as an increase in the birth rate among human beings to fulfill God’s command, who said, “Go out there and fill the earth”.
“Today we are praying that the gardens that we have planted may grow. We are also asking God to bless families so that there will be an increase in the birth rate because God has commanded us to fill this earth. So, we should use the things that God has given us properly, among it is to produce enough food and to have the number of people increased”.
Bishop Hiiboro said the procession signified that Jesus Christ is in our midst and pouring his blessing on the Christians, adding that Jesus knows all the needs of humankind.
“Today we shall be worked with Jesus on our streets, asking him to bless us. He is here, he knows our needs, among the needs we have put before him are our garden and the increase in birth rate, we need to produce”.
The local ordinary of CDTY strongly emphasizes the importance of engaging, urging Christians to discharge their duties with passion and love in order to get better rewards.
“Love your job, do it effectively, and diligently so as to get a better reward. If you are given an assignment, take it wholeheartedly show passion and love to do the work neatly”.
The Sunday feast was also used to pray for unity among people to pave the way for the peace of the Lord to prevail among His people and create a conducive environment for humankind.
2023
Fr. Gamboripai William Abbass, “Respect this Mysterious Act of Jesus Offering His Own Flesh for the Salvation”
Mid–West Holy Spirit Deanery
Fr. Gamboripai William Abbass the Episcopal Vicar of the Mid–West Holy Spirit Deanery and the Parish Priest of Regina Mundi Parish, St. Cecilia Bagidi Parish, and Bethlehem Parish shared with Rurugene online newsletter the way they celebrated the big day of Corpus Christi.
Many from Regina Mundi and Bethlehem parishes gathered at Ezo hospital where a procession of Corpus Christi started this morning going to the two parishes. The procession was led by two priests Fr William Abbass and Fr. Abraham Abayo. The commissioner of Ezo County Hon Abel Sudan joined the congregation to attend the procession, adoration, and Holy Mass of Corpus Christi.
Speaking at the opening prayers Rev. Fr. Abbass called on the Christians to respect this mysterious act of Jesus offering his own flesh for the salvation of mankind. He encouraged the congregation to find healing through the body and blood of Jesus. He then reiterated the call of the Bishop to pray for good farm yield and human reproduction.
He also encouraged the sick to believe in Jesus for healing and health workers to work to accomplish the Lord’s mission of healing on this Sunday of Christ Jesus.
In his homily, Fr. Abbass stressed the importance of Christ offering his body and blood for our sake by the grace of which we have abundant healing. He then urged the Christians to always observe a total dedication during the consecration at every holy Mass adding that it’s a mysterious moment during the Mass, a moment of miracle.
He further reflected on the two themes of prayers initiated by the Bishop of the CDTY to pray during the Eucharistic celebration and adoration for good farm production and human reproduction.
Fr. Abbass called upon the congregants to work hard and produce food in abundance as we pray for human reproduction.
He added that every woman needs food during pregnancy and after delivery to avoid anemia in order to have good health, and men too should eat well to work more on the farm. He continued and stressed that it should not only be farming for consumption but also for business since we have the available land that bears all the money that we need to reduce this monetary crisis in the country.
For his part, the commissioner of Ezo County Hon Abel Sudan emphasized the two themes of prayers of good farming yield and human reproduction adding that these are powerful blessings to the people of the County. Hon. Abel elaborated on his visit to Nabiapai a market bordering DRC, CAR, and South Sudan to stabilize the illegal cash collection that goes on at the market, he encouraged the general public to report any security threat to prevent instability.
2023
“Eucharist is Food for Nourishing Our Souls”, Says Fr. Peter During the Solemnity of Corpus Christi
By Sr. Henriette Anne (FSSA)
Eastern Deanery (Corpus Christi)
In celebrating their great day, Fr. Peter a member of Sellesian of Donbosco and Parish Priest of St. John Bosco Parish – Maridi, reminded Christians of five things about the Eucharist. In his Homily, he said that the Eucharist is a sacrifice only offered once and for all on the cross for all humanity.
Secondly, he noted that Eucharist is a memorial of the passion of Christ. This is because Christ represents the Eucharist which is one of the central mysteries of Christianity. He continued with his third teaching that Eucharist is food for nourishing our souls and as the Catholic teachings indicate that “Holy Communion preserves and increases the supernatural life of your soul. In the Holy Eucharist, Christ becomes present so that He may abide bodily among us by His Real Presence in our tabernacles”.
He added, that the Eucharist of unity since we eat from the same table, and finally he urged the Christians to develop devotion to adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament as a way of showing love since they have adoration everyday Friday.