The visiting Archbishop to the Catholic diocese of Tombura Yambio has been flown back to Kenya on Tuesday morning; His Grace Anthoney Muheria who is the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri spent nearly 7 days in the Diocese of Tombura Yambio.
The Archbishop’s return from his visit to the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio was marked by a series of significant events, culminating in a Eucharistic celebration with the seminarians of the diocese.
The Mass took place at St. John Paul II Institute of Philosophy, where the Archbishop presided over a solemn and inspiring liturgy before his flight.
In his homily, the Archbishop emphasized the virtue of humility, urging the seminarians to “dress in humility” and practice it consistently.
Drawing from the Gospel of the day, he spoke about the humility of children, encouraging the young men to embody this quality in their journey towards priesthood. His words were a reminder that humility is not just a virtue to be admired but a way of life to be embraced.
Following the Mass, the Archbishop addressed the seminarians in the seminary auditorium, delivering an inspiring and challenging speech. He highlighted several key points that are essential for their formation and future ministry.
First, he called on the seminarians to be exemplary young men, reflecting peace and love in all they do. He emphasized that common sense, though often assumed, is not always common, and urged them to be individuals who do not require constant reminders from their formators but who take initiative and responsibility in their spiritual and academic pursuits.
The Archbishop stressed the importance of high academic standards, reminding the seminarians that priesthood is not for the weak, nor is it exclusively for the best. However, he emphasized that academic excellence is crucial because the Word of God needs to be broken down and made accessible to the people of God.
He challenged both the seminarians and their formators, stating that students should not simply be passed through the system but must prove that they deserve to advance. He expressed his desire for the minor seminary to be the best institution in the region, underscoring the importance of disciplined study and dedication to their academic work.
Deep spirituality was another central theme of his address.
The Archbishop called on the seminarians to expand their hearts in their relationship with God, with their lives centered around prayer and a solid friendship with the Divine. He urged them to develop a deep love for the Eucharist, likening it to the love between a man and a woman.
He encouraged them to keep the tabernacle always in their hearts and imaginations, fostering a personal devotion to prayer.
He also spoke of their devotion to their patron saints, St. John Paul II and St. Josephine Bakhita, as a model for their spiritual journey.
On the matter of human development, the Archbishop was clear: “We may come from the village, but we should not remain villagers; rather, we should become men of God who live in the village.” He urged the seminarians to aspire to higher standards of human excellence, improving their speech and communication skills, especially in English, so that when they proclaim the Word of God, they will be heard and understood clearly.
The Archbishop’s visit concluded with a solemn farewell at Yambio airstrip, where he was accompanied by His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, clergy members, and seminarians from the minor seminary, the philosophy section, and theologians who are currently on holiday.
The departure was a fitting end to a visit that left a lasting impact on the seminarians and the broader community of CDTY.
