By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
Every year on October 10th, the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY), celebrates Catholic Education Day, a special occasion born from the resolutions of the First Diocesan Synod. The date, intentionally chosen to coincide with the feast of St. Daniel Comboni, honors the missionary’s pioneering spirit and his conviction that education is the cornerstone of Africa’s renewal and enduring commitment to education as a path to regenerate Africa with Africans.
Reflecting on the origins of the celebration, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala recalled how the synod deliberated and unanimously agreed to dedicate this day to “ring the bell of Catholic education” across the diocese.
“We deliberately chose the 10th of October,” the bishop explained. “St. Daniel Comboni believed in regenerating Africa with Africans. His dream was to save Africa through her own sons and daughters. We, in the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, carry this vision forward through our schools.”
The prelate continued, “Let us ring the bell of Catholic education not only with our hands but with our hearts. Let us pray that through the intercession of St. Daniel Comboni, God may bless our schools and make our children lovers of truth, honor, and service.”
According to bishop Eduardo, education is not just a service, it is a sacred mission. The diocese, he said, sees in education the reflection of God’s creative power: “God is the founder of education,” he declared during the Eucharistic celebration. “When God said, ‘Let us create them in our image,’ He was establishing education, giving us the capacity to learn, to create, to improve our lives using what He had already made.”
This year’s, CDTY celebrated Catholic Education Day under the theme, “Enkindle in Them the Fire of Truth and Honor,”.
The climax on October 10th brought together teachers, administrators, learners, and clergy in a celebration that blended worship, learning, and reflection
“We began with the Word of God,” Bishop Hiiboro said, “because it is from God’s Word that education finds its purpose, to enhance life, to build society, and to glorify the Creator through knowledge and truth.”
He called on students, teachers, and administrators to embrace honesty and truthfulness as virtues that define Catholic education.
“Children should learn to tell the truth. Teachers must teach the truth. Administrators must practice the truth,” he emphasized. “Even when no one is watching, do not cheat, do not lie, do not manipulate results. Education that lacks truth cannot transform society.”
While the Diocese’s current celebrations are decentralized, held across deaneries due to logistical and security challenges, Bishop Hiiboro envisions a future where peace allows students from all corners of the Diocese to gather in one grand celebration.
“When the country becomes peaceful,” he said with hope, “we shall bring together students from every deanery to celebrate as one body, one family of faith and learning.”
