By Baraka John
The Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio (CDTY) on 13th September 2025 announced the creation and elevation of several parishes and spiritual centers, alongside new diocesan-wide mandates for environmental sustainability and family renewal.
The announcement was made by Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala at a deeply spiritual and celebratory gathering attended by clergy, religious, and lay faithful held in memory of Bishop Gasi—a towering figure in the spiritual and social life of the region.
Bishop Hiiboro issued five canonical decrees, structuring and spiritual transformation within the Diocese:
1. Queen of All Saints Catholic Parish, Baragu
Formerly the Maria Nakindo Nyemuse Quasi-Parish attached to Holy Trinity Parish, Andari, the community in Baragu has been canonically erected as a full parish under the title Queen of All Saints, falling under the Ezo Vicariate.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
2. Santa Maria & Martha Catholic Parish, Madoro
The Quasi-Parish of Saints Mary & Martha, Madoro, is now elevated to full parish status, independent from Bethlehem Catholic Parish, Ezo Vicariate.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).
3. St. Michael the Arkangelo Catholic Quasi-Parish, Naziragbe
The St. John the Baptist Catholic Center in Naziragbe, previously under Nakindo-Sene Parish, has been elevated to a Quasi-Parish.
“Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).
4. Santa Trinita International Shrine, Kodati
A new international shrine has been established in Kodati, aimed at fostering cross-border spiritual pilgrimage and unity. It will be a collaborative endeavor with the Dioceses of Bangassou (CAR) and Dungu-Doruma (DRC).
“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:7).
5. St. Jude Catholic Spiritual Center
Now canonically erected as a Diocesan Spiritual Institution, St. Jude will offer retreats, spiritual counselling, and healing ministries. It will operate in collaboration with neighboring parishes, and its first director is Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Anisoke of the Missionary of the Needy Congregation.
“Bishop Hiiboro described it as the Diocese’s new “Spiritual Hospital”.
Additionally, a new shrine—Holy Cross of Unity Shrine, Gangara (Maridi)—has been created under the patronage of Our Lady of Fatima, enhancing spiritual infrastructure in the Diocese’s eastern region.
In a visionary move that intertwines spiritual mission with ecological and social responsibility, Bishop Hiiboro declared two major mandates:
Every parish, mission station, school, and institution in the Diocese is now required to:
Cultivate at least one acre of coffee (“Green Gold”) as a sign of economic sustainability and environmental care.
Plant at least one acre of trees, “Trees of Life”—for timber and shade.
