“Embrace Hard Work, Self-Reliance, and Purpose” Says Bishop Hiiboro to Seminarians

By Emmanuel Mandella

On his audience with seminarians on Monday June 9^th 2025, at Solidarity Training Center in Yambio, bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Catholic Bishop of Tombura-Yambio Diocese (CDTY), urged over 150 seminarians to embrace “self-discipline, hard work, and spiritual purpose” as they discern their call to the priesthood and that their formation is not an escape from the suffering of South Sudan.

In his address, he reminded the young men that the path to priesthood is not just an academic endeavor, but a lifelong journey that demands personal sacrifice, a strong sense of identity, and community responsibility.

“This is not a classroom of Geography or English, this is a practical lesson on life itself,” he said. “You are being prepared to serve, and that means bringing together everything you’ve learned to live your calling in the real world.”

The prelate expressed his deep gratitude to the diocesan Vocations Department for organizing the seminar, and urged them not to produce passive priests but men of fire who are compassionate, wise, courageous and active.

However, he cautioned that the journey to priesthood is costly and should not be mistaken for a free ride.“There is nothing free in the seminary,” he declared. “It is very expensive to become a priest. Families must understand this, and you, too, must contribute. Even a small job, like selling pineapples or collecting firewood, matters.”

He continued, “avoid disorderly or scattered begging for money. Organize your needs properly with your parish priests, families, and trusted friends. Let your requests be marked by humility, planning, and transparency.

Drawing from his own upbringing, Bishop Hiiboro recalled how he worked hard as a youth carrying water, splitting firewood, and doing odd jobs to help support his formation. He encouraged seminarians to drop the habit of habitual begging and instead cultivate dignity through labor.

“Hold a Bible in one hand and a tool in the other. That’s the kind of priesthood we need today.”

The local ordinary of CDTY also warned about the misuse of technology, particularly among the youth. “Stop wasting hours watching meaningless videos on YouTube while others dance and celebrate their success. Use your phones wisely to access knowledge, to grow.”

He challenged the seminarians to think creatively and entrepreneurially. “Why can’t one of you start a small project, a health center, or a community solution that brings hope to others? Let your minds stretch beyond the ordinary.”

In conclusion, he added that the priesthood is a service to humanity and the wider Church, “Even if you do not end up wearing the collar, live a life that reflects God’s love. As a priest or layperson, you are called to lead people back to God by example, by commitment, and by love.”