By Joseph Chakaya
The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has witnessed a historic moment as one of her sons, Deacon Mboriidie Simon, has been ordained a deacon in Rome, marking the first such ordination abroad in over 60 years since Father Michael Dr. Katawa.
Speaking on Anisa Radio in a program hosted by Joseph Chekaya, the newly ordained deacon shared his joy and gratitude with the community, expressing deep appreciation for the formation and support he has received from the diocese and its leadership.
The people of Western Equatoria State offered heartfelt thanksgiving for the pastoral leadership of Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, whose fatherly care and apostolic vision continue to nurture vocations and strengthen the life of the local Church. His commitment to the integral formation of seminarians, even beyond the borders of the diocese, stands as a living sign of the Church’s universality and missionary spirit.
A Call to Peace and Love
In his message to the faithful, Deacon Mboriidie encouraged the community to become ambassadors of peace, urging them to love one another, emphasizing that Christ is at the center of every human being. His words reflect the mission of the diaconate, which is characterized by service, charity, and the promotion of unity within the Christian community.
Reflecting on the grace of the celebration, Deacon Mboriidie highlighted the profound significance of his ordination taking place in Rome, at the heart of the Catholic faith, in the Vatican, on the tomb of Saint Peter, the head of the Twelve Apostles. He noted that being surrounded by the universality of the Church and in communion with believers from many nations expressed the deep unity of the Body of Christ.
The newly ordained deacon was joined in this joyful occasion by fellow priests from the diocese, Reverend Father Hume George and Reverend Father Bagare Matthew, whose presence provided fraternal support and connected the celebration to the home diocese of Tombura-Yambio.
Historic Significance
The ordination represents a milestone for the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, being the first diaconate ordination of a diocesan seminarian abroad in over six decades. The last such ordination was that of Father Michael Dr. Katawa, who has become a revered figure in the diocese for his long years of faithful priesthood and witness to perseverance.
The decision to send seminarians for formation abroad reflects Bishop Hiiboro’s commitment to providing the highest quality theological and pastoral education for future priests of the diocese. Such international formation exposes seminarians to the universal Church, diverse theological perspectives, and different pastoral contexts that enrich their preparation for ministry.
The ordination in Rome, particularly at the tomb of Saint Peter, carries profound theological and spiritual significance. Saint Peter, as the first among the Apostles and the rock upon which Christ built His Church, represents the unity and apostolic foundation of the Catholic Church. To be ordained at his tomb symbolizes connection to this apostolic succession and the universal mission of the Church.
The Diaconate: A Step Toward Priesthood
The diaconate is a significant step in the journey toward priestly ordination. Deacons are ordained ministers who assist bishops and priests in various liturgical, pastoral, and charitable functions. They proclaim the Gospel, preach, baptize, witness marriages, and have a particular calling to serve the poor and marginalized.
For Deacon Mboriidie, this ordination represents both the culmination of years of formation and the beginning of a new phase of service. As a transitional deacon, he will typically serve in this ministry for a period before being ordained to the priesthood, gaining practical pastoral experience while continuing his theological studies and spiritual formation.
Gratitude to Bishop Hiiboro
The community’s expression of gratitude to Bishop Hiiboro reflects recognition of his visionary leadership in promoting vocations and ensuring quality formation for seminarians. Under his episcopate, the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has maintained strong seminary programs, supported seminarians studying both within South Sudan and abroad, and fostered a culture of priestly vocations.
Bishop Hiiboro’s commitment to integral human development extends to the formation of clergy, recognizing that well-educated and spiritually mature priests are essential for the Church’s mission of evangelization, sacramental ministry, and service to the poor and vulnerable.
The presence of Father Hume George and Father Bagare Matthew at the ordination demonstrates the solidarity and fraternity that exists among the clergy of the diocese. Their presence in Rome for this occasion shows the importance the diocese places on celebrating and supporting its seminarians as they progress toward priesthood.
A Sign of Hope
For the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio and Western Equatoria State, Deacon Mboriidie’s ordination is a sign of hope and vitality. Despite the challenges facing South Sudan, including conflict, economic hardship, and displacement, the Church continues to produce vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
The historic nature of this ordination reminds the faithful that the Church in Tombura-Yambio is not isolated but connected to the universal Church, sharing in the apostolic mission that began with Peter and the other Apostles in Rome and has spread to every corner of the world.
As Deacon Mboriidie prepares for eventual priestly ordination and lifelong service to God’s people, his formation in Rome and his connection to the universal Church will enrich his ministry in Western Equatoria State. The diocese looks forward to welcoming him back and witnessing how his international formation will contribute to the growth and strengthening of the local Church.
The celebration of this historic ordination offers the entire diocese an opportunity to give thanks for the gift of vocations, to pray for all seminarians currently in formation, and to renew commitment to fostering and supporting priestly vocations as a precious gift for the Church and society.
