By Baraka John
YAMBIO, WESTERN EQUATORIA STATE — In the spirit of joy, unity and Christmas thanksgiving, members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus group from St. Mary Mother of God Parish in Yambio paid a heartfelt courtesy visit to Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala on Friday, presenting him with Christmas gifts and seeking his pastoral blessings as part of their festive celebrations.
The delegation arrived at the Bishop’s residence bearing an array of gifts, symbols of love, appreciation and solidarity within the Church community. Their visit underscored the group’s commitment to strengthening ties with the diocesan leadership as they prepare to celebrate Christmas — a season centred on the birth of Christ and renewal of faith.
Warm Welcome and Spiritual Encouragement
Bishop Hiiboro Kussala welcomed the group with deep gratitude, thanking them for their thoughtful gesture and active participation in parish life. He commended the members for their devotion, service and unity, noting that their presence highlighted a strong spirit of faith and fellowship in the Diocese.
In his message of encouragement, the Bishop urged the group members to renew and deepen their commitment to the Sacred Heart of Jesus — a Catholic devotion that reflects Christ’s infinite, merciful and sacrificial love for humanity. This devotion, widely practised throughout the Catholic Church, symbolises the boundless love of Jesus for every person and calls the faithful to respond with love, compassion and service in return.
He reminded the group that the true essence of the devotion lies not only in prayer, but in living out the core values of love, sacrifice, humility and selfless service — especially as they interact with families, neighbours and the wider community.
“Let the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus be your guide,” the Bishop said, encouraging them to embody Christ’s compassionate heart through deeds that bring healing, unity and peace to those around them.
Pastoral Blessings and Christmas Wishes
Bishop Hiiboro imparted his pastoral blessings upon the members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus group and their families, praying for peace, spiritual growth and God’s abundant grace during the Christmas season and beyond. The moment was filled with heartfelt prayer and warm expressions of goodwill, marking a memorable interaction between diocesan leadership and the faithful.
The gathering ended with joyful prayer, blessings and acclamations of unity, reinforcing a sense of shared mission as Christmas approaches. Members left encouraged and spiritually renewed, ready to deepen their devotion and service within their parishes.
Significance of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most significant Catholic spiritual practices, centred on Christ’s heart as a symbol of His infinite love and mercy for humanity. Historically rooted in private revelations to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, the devotion invites the faithful to honour Jesus’ love, make acts of reparation and follow His compassionate example in daily life.
Amid peacebuilding efforts and social challenges across South Sudan, including in Western Equatoria State, this devotion continues to offer a framework for faithful engagement that celebrates Christ’s love and promotes unity, reconciliation and spiritual growth among Catholics of all ages.
The visit by the Sacred Heart of Jesus group reflects the Catholic Diocese of Tombura–Yambio’s dedication to nurturing strong parish communities anchored in faith and mutual support — particularly during the joyous season of Christmas.
