By Sr. Laurencila, FSSA.
The Epiphany Sunday ordination Mass at St. Augustine Parish in the Diocese of Tombura–Yambio was marked by a powerful call for holiness, unity, and social transformation as candidates for the Diaconate and the Holy Priesthood were urged to become living signs of hope during the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope.
Preaching from the Gospel of Matthew— “We have seen His Star in the East, and we have come to worship Him” (Mt 2:2)—the Bishop reflected on the meaning of Epiphany as God’s ongoing revelation in the world. He reminded the faithful that God continues to manifest Himself not through power or wealth, but through humility, simplicity, and a call to service.
Addressing the ordinands directly, the Bishop emphasized that priestly ordination does not replace Christ but points others toward Him. Drawing inspiration from the star that guided the Magi, he urged the new clergy to allow their lives to guide people to Jesus through faithfulness and witness.
Priesthood Described as Urgent, Not Outdated
Responding to modern questions about the relevance of priesthood, the Bishop firmly stated that priesthood remains urgently needed, especially in societies wounded by conflict, poverty, and division. He highlighted the role of priests in reconciling broken communities, forming consciences through education, restoring dignity among the poor, and remaining steadfast where fear and suffering persist.
“I am not ordaining you for an ideal country,” he said, noting that the Church sends priests into real situations marked by fragility but also hope. He described South Sudan as a nation deeply loved by God and in need of committed pastoral leadership.
Unity Among Priests Emphasized as Essential Witness
A strong appeal was made for unity among priests, which the Bishop described as one of the most powerful forms of preaching. He encouraged fraternity, shared prayer, and forgiveness, reminding the clergy that love among priests is a visible sign of discipleship.
He cautioned against constant complaint and division, warning that such attitudes weaken vocation and harm communities. Instead, he encouraged priests to embrace the Cross of Christ, noting that accepted suffering sanctifies, while rejected suffering can destroy unity.
Call to Holiness Close to the People
The homily stressed that the Church does not need celebrity figures, but holy shepherds rooted in the daily realities of the people. Holiness, the Bishop explained, is not an escape from life but faithfulness within it. He urged priests never to abandon prayer, warning that a priest who stops praying gradually loses direction.
Celibacy, obedience, and simplicity were described not as limitations but as paths to inner freedom, helping priests overcome ego, attachment, and isolation.
Priests as Builders of Peace and Social Renewal
Quoting Pope Francis, the Bishop encouraged priests to be close to the people they serve, describing them as agents of peace, defenders of human dignity, promoters of education, and champions of food security and self-reliance. He clarified that such engagement is not political activism but a serious living out of the Gospel.
The homily highlighted examples of saints who transformed societies through faith and service, including St. Benedict of Nursia, St. Daniel Comboni, St. Josephine Bakhita, and St. John Bosco, noting that they acted with courage even in imperfect conditions.
A Final Charge: Be the Star
Concluding the homily, the Bishop urged the newly ordained to embrace their priestly identity with confidence, reminding them that their very presence, conduct, and appearance already preach before words are spoken.
He called on them to live with gratitude toward God, the Church, their families, and the faithful, emphasizing fidelity as the foundation of priestly life.
“As the Magi followed the star and found Christ,” he concluded, “you are now sent to be stars—guiding others to Jesus.”
The celebration ended with prayers for the newly ordained to become priests of unity, holiness, peace, and hope, as the Diocese continues its journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope.
