By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
As the Universal Catholic Church honors the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, who is also the patron Saint of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio South Sudan (CDTY), bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala has called upon the faithful to honor the life of St. Joseph by embracing the dignity of work as a holy vocation and a path to sanctification.
“Today, with hearts full of joy and gratitude, we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, our Patron Saint and heavenly intercessor. St. Joseph, a man of quiet strength and deep faith, was entrusted with the care of Jesus and Mary. He labored in humility and love, embodying the sacred dignity of honest work”.
In his message shared with Rurugene Online Newsletter bishop Kussala noted that the legacy of St. Joseph is one powerful witness rooted in justice, obedience, and hard work, “in his hands, labor became prayer, in his life simplicity became greatness”.
The prelate further said that the values of St. Joseph align with the same values of as CDTY; “Here in the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, we carry the Holy Bible in one hand and a hoe in the other—a powerful image of our devotion to both the Word of God and the dignity of work. Like St. Joseph, we seek to sanctify every effort and honor God through our daily tasks.
In his message he extended his gratitude to all CDTY workers and staff for their support despite many challenges they face.
“I sincerely honor and appreciate all our diocesan workers and staff. Your commitment—whether seen or unseen—builds up our Church, nourishes our people, and strengthens the soul of our nation. I deeply regret that we have not always been able to compensate your work as it deserves. Yet I carry a firm and prayerful vision: if we remain faithful, transparent, and united in our work, God will bless us with all that we need to flourish”, he continued, “We chose him as the Patron of our Diocese because he reflects the kind of people we strive to be: just, faithful, industrious, and obedient to God’s will. In his hands, labor became prayer. In his life, simplicity became greatness. To all workers across South Sudan and abroad, I extend my heartfelt blessings and prayers. You are part of a divine story of resilience, purpose, and grace. May this day renew your strength and hope”.
Quoting St. Pope John Paul II, “Work is a Key, probably the essential key, to the whole social question”, he emphasized that the Church believes in the transformative power of labor in shaping society and urged all the workers with his own motto saying “Do a thousand things, but one percent better”.
