By Baraka John
Yambio, South Sudan — The Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio (CDTY) on Saturday convened its first-ever diocesan family conference, marking a significant milestone in the Church’s pastoral outreach to families. Held at St. Mary Parish Mother of God in Yambio, the conference brought together married couples and families from across the diocese under the theme “The Family: Domestic Church and Foundation of Society.”
The historic gathering aimed to strengthen Christian marriages and family life through prayer, formation, dialogue, and shared commitment. Organizers said the conference sought to empower families to become living witnesses of faith, love, and resilience within both the Church and the wider community.
Key sessions focused on marriage and Christian married life, underscoring the dignity of marriage as a sacrament. Participants reflected on contemporary challenges facing families, engaging in open discussions on common marital difficulties and exploring faith-based solutions rooted in Christian teachings.
Another major focus of the conference was the formation and structuring of Family for Christ (FFC). Emphasis was placed on listening, dialogue, and mutual support among couples as essential pillars for building strong and faith-filled families. Couples were encouraged to share experiences and support one another in addressing family and marital challenges.
Speakers reminded participants of the Church’s teaching that families are “domestic churches,” where faith is nurtured, lived, and passed on to future generations through daily life, prayer, and example.
The establishment of Family for Christ (FFC) was described as a significant step for the diocese, signaling the beginning of a structured diocesan accompaniment of families. Church leaders expressed hope that the initiative would offer sustained pastoral support, formation, and guidance to families throughout the Diocese of Tombura Yambio.
Participants welcomed the conference as timely and impactful, expressing optimism that it would strengthen marriages and enable families to play a more active role in building both the Church and society.
