By Sr. Laura Akinyi, FSSA.
Priests serving in the Vicariate of Ezo have held their second vicariate meeting of 2026, making important resolutions on pastoral coordination, preparations for welcoming newly assigned priests, and the upcoming celebration of the late Bishop Joseph Gasi’s anniversary.
The meeting held on May 16, 2026, brought together key pastoral leaders of the vicariate, including Reverend Father Gamboripai William, Vicar Forane for Ezo Vicariate; Reverend Father Zukpa Venansio, Dean for Padre Pio Deanery East; Reverend Father Wasi Benjamin, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart of Jesus Diabio Parish; and Reverend Father Mizeredi Simon, Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Naandi Parish. Reverend Father Abraham Abayo, Parish Priest of St. Bianca Banduguyo Parish, was absent.
Reception of Newly Assigned Priests
On the preparations to receive priests assigned to work in the Vicariate of Ezo, the meeting resolved to make their reception colorful and beautiful. In a significant decision reflecting the vicariate’s organizational maturity, priests resolved that the installation of newly assigned priests should be conducted by the Vicar Forane of the vicariate.
Parish Reports and Statistics
Regarding parish reports and statistics, the meeting noted that some parishes including Banduguyo, Yangiri, and Andari are yet to finalize and submit their reports to the Vicar Forane for compilation into a comprehensive vicariate report. This compilation will provide a complete picture of pastoral activities, sacramental statistics, and developmental initiatives across the entire vicariate.
Deanery Coordination
On the two deaneries created by Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala in the Vicariate of Ezo, priests resolved to work together as one serious pastoral team despite being in two separate deaneries, while following the vicariate integrated pastoral implementation framework prepared by the Bishop. This resolution demonstrates commitment to unity and coordinated pastoral planning across the vicariate.
Bishop Gasi Anniversary Celebrations
Regarding the upcoming Bishop Joseph Gasi anniversary celebrations, priests resolved to cooperate in mobilizing all Christians and resources within the vicariate and outside to ensure that the celebration will be done very well. They committed to strengthening the committees that have already been established and are at work, while urging that the budget be finalized quickly by the committees for review.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Celebration
The meeting resolved to comply with Bishop Hiiboro’s directives on the celebration of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is approaching. The resolution calls for Sacred Heart of Jesus group members to organize their leadership at vicariate level and facilitate their travel to Yambio to participate in all programs scheduled for them.
Vicariate Coordination Office
In a strategic move to strengthen administrative capacity, priests resolved to establish a vicariate coordination office in Regina Mundi and appoint a coordinator who will facilitate day-to-day administration. They plan to seek support from managers working in the diocesan curia to come and train the people appointed to offices that exist in the vicariate, building local capacity for effective management.
Other Matters
Under any other business, the meeting noted that installation of the new episcopal vicars for the two deaneries in the vicariate needs to be organized. Father Mizeredi Simon’s appointment as chaplain for all Catholic schools within the Vicariate of Ezo was welcomed with joy, and he will begin his visits to all schools soon.
The meeting concluded with group photos commemorating the gathering and the shared commitment to advancing pastoral work in the vicariate.
Significance of the Meeting
The second vicariate meeting of 2026 demonstrates the growing organizational capacity and pastoral coordination within the Vicariate of Ezo. The decision to have the Vicar Forane rather than the Vicar General conduct installations of newly assigned priests reflects the vicariate’s maturity and the principle of subsidiarity, which holds that decisions should be made at the most local level capable of handling them effectively.
The emphasis on working as one pastoral team despite the division into two deaneries shows commitment to unity and collaborative ministry. The creation of a vicariate coordination office with trained personnel represents investment in administrative infrastructure that can support more effective pastoral planning and implementation.
The preparations for Bishop Gasi’s anniversary celebrations honor the memory of a beloved shepherd who served the diocese faithfully and whose vision continues to inspire the Church in Western Equatoria. The coordinated approach to these celebrations across the vicariate ensures that the late bishop will be remembered fittingly.
As the Vicariate of Ezo continues to strengthen its structures and coordination under the leadership of Father Gamboripai William and the deans of the two deaneries, the resolutions from this meeting will guide pastoral work in the coming months, ensuring that the Church’s mission of evangelization, sacramental ministry, and service to the poor is carried out effectively across all parishes in the vicariate.
