By Joseph Ernesto
NAKOFOO / Yambio — The Christian community of St. Stephen Nakofoo Chapel — located about seven miles from Yambio town — gathered in joy and deep gratitude on Tuesday, December 2025, as Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura‑Yambio, blessed the site of their new church under construction.
Under the auspices of St. Mary Catholic Parish, the faithful of Nakofoo have shown admirable commitment to building a self-supporting and vibrant place of worship for their community.
During the celebration of Holy Mass, Bishop Hiiboro delivered a heartfelt homily, encouraging parishioners to embrace hard work, remain focused on the future, and stay steadfast in doing what is right for the growth of their community and the Church. His message inspired renewed zeal and unity among the faithful.
Although the church building is still under construction — with parishioners already molding and laying bricks — the Bishop joyfully administered the Sacrament of Baptism under a simple shelter. He baptized five children, symbolizing both a blessing of new life in Christ and hope for the future of the community.
Local leaders and parishioners described the day as a historic milestone for Nakofoo, marking the beginning of a new era of faith, fellowship and communal growth.
The blessing of the construction site, combined with the baptism of the children, underscored the community’s determined commitment to building not only a physical structure, but a living spiritual foundation for generations to come.
