By Waure Eddy
Curia, Tombura–Yambio — Choir members drawn from various parishes within the Central Deanery of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura–Yambio gathered on Friday evening at the Bishop’s residence in the Curia for a special Christmas song sampling event, marking the start of preparations for the Christmas season.
The colorful and prayerful gathering brought together parish choirs, priests, and religious sisters under a beautifully designed Christmas tree. The event was characterized by joyful singing, unity, and reflection on the meaning of Christmas, as well as the Christian responsibility to care for creation.
Addressing the gathering, His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala expressed appreciation to the choirs from different parishes for coming together in unity and for honoring the Christmas season through sacred music. He commended their dedication to church music and their important role in enriching Christmas liturgical celebrations across the Diocese.
In his message, Bishop Kussala highlighted the importance of trees in human life, noting their contribution to good climate, shelter, and daily needs such as firewood. He also reflected on the spiritual significance of trees in Christian faith, recalling that Jesus Christ was crucified on a tree, which gives deeper meaning to the symbol of the Christmas tree.
“As we celebrate Christmas, Jesus Christ is life for all. We need to receive Him with good faith in all our homes,” the Bishop said. He added that Christmas trees enhance the beauty of the environment and promote harmony within society.
The Bishop further emphasized that trees protect animals, homes, and livelihoods, benefiting communities in many ways. He praised the initiative of bringing together Christmas trees from parishes within the Central Deanery, describing it as a powerful sign of unity among priests, religious sisters, and the faithful in celebrating the birth of Christ.
Speaking on behalf of the choir members, Mr. Yakoko expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Kussala for warmly welcoming the choirs and the Christmas trees at his residence. He noted that the gesture reflected the Bishop’s love, pastoral care, and encouragement for church choirs and the wider Christian community.
“We sincerely thank His Lordship the Bishop for welcoming the Christmas trees at his residence. This shows his love for the choirs and his support for celebrating Christmas together as one family,” Mr. Yakoko said.
He described the program as both meaningful and timely, emphasizing its spiritual importance as the Church begins to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. He added that coming together to sing, pray, and reflect under the Christmas tree strengthened the faith and unity of the choir members.
Mr. Yakoko further noted that the gathering motivated choirs to prepare more diligently for Christmas liturgical celebrations and to carry the message of joy, peace, and hope back to their respective parishes.
The event concluded with continued singing and fellowship, setting a joyful and spiritual tone as the Catholic Diocese of Tombura–Yambio prepares to celebrate the Christmas season.
