By Baraka John
A new chapter in Catholic ministry was opened this weekend with the official launch of the Catholic Men Association (CMA) at St. Mary Parish Mother of God, Yambio. The launch took place during a special Mass commemorating the 11th anniversary of the passing of the late Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite, a beloved spiritual leader and advocate for peace and unity in South Sudan.
In his message to the newly formed association, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala praised the initiative and challenged the men to be strong pillars of society.
“You are the seeds for all men in the society,” the bishop said. “Society collapses when men fall. Be protectors, not abusers. Be men of integrity. Reject corruption. Support women. Let Bishop Gasi’s voice live in our culture.”
He further called on the members to rise, lead, and live-in truth, echoing the values that Bishop Gasi exemplified throughout his life.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Turanvutu Christopher Ismail, Chairperson of the newly formed association, stressed to men to rediscover their spiritual role in both family and society.
“We as men have lost direction,” he said. “We have forgotten our Creator, the God who formed us not just with words, but with His own hands. He gave us power and wisdom to protect and care for this beautiful world, but today, many of us have abandoned our role and drifted from the Mother Church.”
He urged men to turn back to God, live lives centered on divine purpose, and reject worldly distractions that diminish their God-given dignity.
“The value of man is lost,” he added. “The world is now manipulating the grace given to man by Jesus. We must return to a life that glorifies God in everything we do.”
Turanvutu appealed to all men present to be active participants in the movement, emphasizing that future meetings and initiatives would be aimed at spiritual growth, unity, and service to the wider community.
The CMA was launched in memory of bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite, who served the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio with humility and love. The association takes inspiration from St. Joseph, the head of the Holy Family, as a model of service, strength, and fatherhood.
CMA foster Christian principles, promote spiritual, moral, and material welfare, and support the Catholic community through acts of service and solidarity.
The association also aims to evangelize the Gospel, defend the Catholic faith, and campaign for the emancipation of Catholics across all social classes.
