SOUTH SUDAN: Jubilation As St John Paul II Seminary Celebrates Patron Saint
Celebration at St John Paul II Philosophicum on October 22 went down with all the pomp and color worthy of a great the saint. The feast, held at the Philosophicum grounds in Yambio, Gbudue State and was attended by high profile State and Church dignitaries.
The event was preceded by a volleyball match between two teams namely St John Paul II and Pope Francis and ended 2-1 in favor of Pope Francis’ team. After the games, the celebration of Mass followed with the Curia Moderator Rev Fr Ezekiel Sungerukuari as the main celebrant, assisted by the Seminary’s Rector and several other priests and deacons from various parishes and offices in the Diocese.
During the homily, Fr Ezekiel reflected on the message of peace which St John Paul II delivered during his visit to Khartoum in 1993.
“Peace is possible. However, there can be no peace without Justice and respect for human rights,” he pointed out.
Fr Ezekiel Sungerukuari emphasized on the need for humility among seminarians as they seek to emulate their patron saint who was known as such in all his undertaking. He called upon the congregants to pray for peace in South Sudan especially during this crucial time when the deadline of forming the coalition government is around the corner.
The Rector Rev Fr John Ngbapia Bakiri read the Bishops message of good will to the seminarians. The Bishop wished the seminarians a happy feast and called upon them to be the best they can be under the guidance of the great saint who had a special attachment to young people.
Speaking during the same event, Hon. Pia Philip, the Minister of education, Gbudue State urged the seminarians to pursue their dreams without limiting themselves, pointing out that the formation they are receiving is destined to prepare them to be great men not only in the Church but also in the world at large. A former seminarian himself, Hon Pia gave a moving speech to the seminarians on how to live a life worthy of the calling as he reminisced his seminary days which he pointed out have been helpful in shaping him into the man he is today.
“People will remember you not for your marks, not for how great a sports person you were but how you impacted their lives,” he added.
The event was even made more colorful by the fact that former seminarians turned up to celebrate and give great testimonies not only on life within the seminary but life outside too where they have turned up to be great members in the society with bright careers.
Speaking on their behalf, GiningakPio Justin who works at Star Trust Organization urged the seminarians to follow their hearts without fear and yearn to be the best in changing lives. He urged them to be humble and to listen to their mentors since what they instill in them will always a treasure in their lives.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Deputy Head Captain, Atilio Wandege Dangita thanked His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro, who founded the seminary six years ago and opened the doors for the young people to receive a holistic formation. He also thanked the Rector and all those who are sacrificing for the seminarians’ welfare.
St John Paul II Seminary opened its doors six years ago and currently has a population of forty two (42) seminarians derived from Tombura-Yambio and Rumbek Dioceses respectively.
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