By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
As the clergy, religious men and women, all the faithful of the Catholic Diocese Tombura-Yambio (CDTY), Soth Sudan and the entire congregation of Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary mourns over the death of Sr Bianca Gbinza, a pioneer, a torchbearer of faith, one who was the first to say “yes” to God within the community when people were still fresh in Catholicism bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of CDTY has urged the young men and women not to be afraid of answering God’s call.
“And so, dear friends, as we lay her to rest, let us remember: Sr. Bianca’s life is not just a page in our community’s history it is an open invitation to all of us. To our young women: if you hear even a whisper of God’s call, do not be afraid”.
During the funeral Mass that was attended by many religious and lay faithful, bishop Eduardo encouraged the congregants that holiness is not for another time or another place but through the life of Sr. Gbinza holiness is possible in their soil, in their generation and even in brokenness.
Sharing on the life of the 93-year-old Sr. Gbinza, the prelate noted that her wisdom was more than intellect, a gift of discerning heart, where she could read the needs of soul as easily as a familiar page stressing that she new how to encourage, when to correct with gentleness and when to be present in loving silence.
He continued, “Her very name is a sermon in itself. In our Pazande language, Gbinza means “to get old.” And indeed, God granted her the grace of a long life, not just in years, but in wisdom, dignity, and fruitful service. Through her, we have learned to admire, respect, and cherish the elderly for age in God’s service is a crown of beauty”, bishop Hiiboro said.
Sharing the testimonials of his encounter with Sr. Gbianza, the prelate acknowledged that Sr. Gbianza shaped his life as a young priest.
“As a young priest, I was deeply shaped by her witness. She did not teach me through long speeches, but by the constancy of her life: to put God at the very center, especially when everything seemed hard or uncertain. She reminded us all that faith is not just believing in God it is believing God”.
The bishop Eduardo added that her love for God was not a mere idea but a burning fire within her, approaching Sacrament of penance with deep longing even thrice a day, seeking to have a pure heart.
He further urged the mourners to also embrace the life of Sr. Gbianza who moved home to home teaching catechisis, visiting families, and preparing children and adults for the sacraments, proving that holiness is not only possible but it is radiant and life-giving.
The local ordinary of CDTY, thanked her parents who dedicated their daughter serve Christ, the congregation of the Missionary Siters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Gasi, Sr. Julia Kumbongiwa who took care of Sr. Gbianza, Episcopal Vicar Holy Cross Deanery Fr Victor, Fr Anthonty Parish Priest of Nakindo Sene Nzara where the Funeral and burrial took place, youth of Nzara for the support given and all people of goodwill, and prayed that God amy blees them through the holiness of Sr Bianca Gbianza.
