Reverend Deaccn Mboriidie, recently ordained to the Diaconate in Rome, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio for prayers and good wishes following his historic Ordination, emphasizing that the Diaconate is not an end but the completion of one step and the beginning of another in his journey to Priesthood.
In a message addressed to brothers and sisters in Christ, Deacon Mboriidie sincerely thanked everyone for their prayers and good wishes for him and his brother, Deacon Tipoi Mark, both in group communications and private messages. He described it as truly moving to read their words and to feel the strength of such a supportive diocesan community.
The Newly Ordained Deacon emphasized that the call to Diaconate is not his alone but a call to serve the entire Christian community. He said he entrusts himself to God, asking that He may grant him the grace to carry out this mission faithfully and well.
Deacon Mboriidie expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, all the priests of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, religious men and women, and the beloved faithful whose support and prayers have sustained him throughout his formation journey.
Continuing the Journey
Emphasizing his commitment to ongoing formation, Deacon Mboriidie announced that he is not stopping at this milestone but that the race continues. He revealed that he is already back in the classroom to continue his studies, humbly going down on his knees asking for prayers to strengthen him in this journey.
The deacon stressed that ordination to the diaconate is not the end but the completion of one step and the beginning of another, reflecting the understanding that the diaconate is typically a transitional stage on the path to priestly ordination. His return to the classroom indicates continued theological studies and formation in preparation for eventual ordination to the priesthood.
Historic Significance
Deacon Mboriidie’s ordination in Rome marked a historic moment for the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, being the first such ordination abroad in over 60 years since Father Michael Dr. Katawa. The ordination took place at the Vatican, on the tomb of Saint Peter, the head of the Twelve Apostles, surrounded by the universality of the Church and in communion with believers from many nations.
The deacon was joined at the ordination 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.
A Message of Humility
Deacon Mboriidie’s message reflects the humility and gratitude that characterize authentic Christian vocation. Rather than viewing ordination as a personal achievement to be celebrated in isolation, he recognized it as a gift from God and a call to serve the entire Christian community. His request for continued prayers demonstrates awareness that ministry is not sustained by personal strength alone but requires the grace of God and the support of the faith community.
The emphasis on continued studies reflects the Church’s understanding that priestly formation is a lifelong process. Even after ordination to the diaconate, candidates for priesthood continue theological education, spiritual formation, and pastoral training to prepare them for the responsibilities they will assume as priests.
Community Response
The outpouring of prayers and good wishes from the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio that Deacon Mboriidie acknowledged demonstrates the strong sense of community and mutual support that characterizes the diocese. When one member is ordained, the entire diocesan family celebrates and commits to supporting that person through prayer and encouragement.
Bishop Hiiboro’s vision of sending seminarians for formation abroad, including in Rome, reflects his commitment to providing the highest quality preparation for future priests. The Bishop’s willingness to invest in international formation demonstrates confidence in these seminarians and belief that they will return to serve the diocese with enhanced knowledge, skills, and global perspective.
As Deacon Mboriidie continues his studies and prepares for eventual priestly ordination, the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio celebrates this milestone while looking forward to the day when he will return to serve God’s people in Western Equatoria State as a fully ordained priest, bringing with him the formation, experience, and international connections gained through his studies in Rome.
The diocese continues to pray for Deacon Mboriidie, Deacon Tipoi Mark, and all seminarians currently in formation, both those studying locally and those pursuing studies abroad, recognizing that each vocation is a precious gift for the Church and society in South Sudan.
