By, Joseph Ernesto.
Nangbimo, Sakure Parish — Saturday, 6 December 2025 — The Catholic community of Nangbimo warmly welcomed Edward Hiiboro Kussala — Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio — during his pastoral visit to Nangbimo Chapel, part of St. Theresa Catholic Parish in Sakure. The visit marked a moment of spiritual renewal and communal encouragement.
The primary purpose of the visit was to bless the revered statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, long held in deep devotion by the faithful. The blessing ceremony drew a large congregation, as Christians gathered to offer prayers under the bishop’s guidance.
In his homily, Bishop Kussala urged the faithful to remain ever-ready for the coming of Christ — not only in their spiritual lives but in daily living. He challenged the community to grow continuously in faith, hope, and to embody transformation through their actions.
“We must be people who testify through our lives that change is possible,” he affirmed, calling on the faithful to cultivate positive values and become beacons of hope for others.
Beyond spiritual exhortations, Bishop Kussala made a passionate appeal to parents and community members to prioritize education for their children, recognizing education as essential for personal growth and community development — a cause he has long championed across the diocese. His advocacy for education echoes his wider commitment: under his leadership, the Diocese has emphasized schooling and formation as pathways to social transformation.
Following the Mass, a representative of the Parish Pastoral Council expressed gratitude to Fr. Stephen, the parish priest, for his devoted missionary work across approximately 20 chapels and outreach centres — including Nangbimo. Despite the wide scope of responsibilities, the community has continued to grow under his pastoral leadership.
Fr. Stephen, speaking at the gathering, described the bishop’s visit as a profound honor and an uplifting encouragement for the community. He commended the faithful for their patience, commitment, and obedience to the teachings of the Church.
The pastoral visit by Bishop Kussala, a historic moment for Nangbimo, left the community strengthened in faith, renewed in hope, and unified in their commitment to spiritual and social development.
