By Sr. Laurencila, FSSA
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala has called on seminarians at St. John Paul II Institute of Philosophy to commit themselves to prayer, disciplined study, and community life as the Major Seminary opens its 2026 academic year.
In his opening message delivered to seminarians and academic staff, Bishop Hiiboro emphasized that the seminary is not merely an institution of instruction but “a house of integral formation, where the mind seeks truth, the heart is schooled in charity, and the will is trained for service.”
A Call to Holistic Development
Addressing the seminarians directly, the Bishop outlined a comprehensive vision of formation that goes beyond academic achievement.
“Let prayer be your foundation, study your daily discipline, hard work your faithful companion, and community life your school of love,” he said.
Bishop Hiiboro urged the seminarians to cultivate multiple dimensions of intelligence: intellectual intelligence for clear thinking and love of truth; emotional intelligence for self-understanding and healthy relationships; moral intelligence for honest and courageous decision-making; spiritual intelligence for deep listening to God; social intelligence for building communion; cultural intelligence for respecting people and context; and practical intelligence for wise pastoral service.
Responsibility of Formators
The Bishop also addressed the academic staff, reminding them that their role extends beyond teaching philosophy and theology to accompanying seminarians in their growth in wisdom and character.
“Teach with competence, guide with patience, and witness with integrity—your lives are part of the curriculum,” Bishop Hiiboro told the formators.
Building Authentic Community
Bishop Hiiboro emphasized the importance of authentic community life built on honesty, obedience, and love for the diocese.
Drawing inspiration from the seminary’s patron, Pope St. John Paul II, he quoted the late pontiff’s reminder that “The future of the Church depends on the formation of her priests.”
He concluded with St. John Paul II’s famous exhortation: “Open wide the doors to Christ. Open minds to truth, hearts to formation, and lives to generous service.”
“May this academic year shape a community rooted in prayer, committed to excellence, and ready to serve God’s people with wisdom and love,” the Bishop said.
The St. John Paul II Institute of Philosophy serves as the major seminary for the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, preparing future priests for pastoral ministry in the region.
