SOUTH SUDAN: First Group of Seminarians at St. John Paul Seminary in Tambura-Yambio Diocese Ordained
Eight Candidate who began their philosophicum formation at St. John Paul II Seminary in Tambura-Yambio Diocese have been ordained today, June 7, 2019. The eight include one priest and seven deacons.
According to Rt. Rev. Edwardo Hiiboro Kussala, Bishop of Tambura-Yambio, the diocese is extremely grateful to God as this is a sign of growth for the Church in the diocese and in South Sudan.
“Grace certainly abounds in the lives and vocations of these eight men from the diocese of Tambura-Yambio who have said yes to Catholic faith, yes to the call to ordained priesthood or diaconate. Their witness is an invitation to all of us to put our faith into action in service to God and our sisters and brothers everywhere,” Bishop Hiiboro explained adding that the formation process that leads up to priestly ordination is a long one, lasting 10 to12 years and including intensive stages of study, ministry, accompaniment and prayer.
He further indicated that the eight candidates pursued their studies in Yambio for three years before proceeding to Consolata Philosophical Seminary in Nairobi. They then joined AMECEA Bakanja College to proceed with theological studies at Catholic University of Eastern Africa which they completed satisfactory.
“We thank all our benefactors without whom we would not have these young men prepared, may God bless them abundantly,’ he said.
Tambura-Yambio Diocese which covers two counties, Yambio and Tambura has 27 parishes. Located in the Western Equatoria State near the border of South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo, the diocese has had its fair share of the effects of the war currently going in South Sudan. According to the April 2019 USAID report on South Sudan Displacement Crisis, Yambio county experienced significant armed clashes and widespread displacement of people in 2016.
The diocese currently hosts a large population of internally displaced persons who need pastoral care. The ordination of the priest and seven deacons is therefore seen as a great blessing to the people of God in the Diocese.
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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
