By Alex Bimo
The Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, Reverend Father Thomas Bagbiowia, has officially blessed the renovation of historic old wall blocks built in 1947 at Our Lady of Assumption Riimenze Parish and blessed the foundation of seven new blocks at St. Paul Gitikiri Parish during a Special Church Ceremony attended by Christians, Priests, and local faithful.
Speaking during the occasion, Father Bagbiowia described the renovation and new construction projects as a sign of growth and commitment to strengthening the Church infrastructure in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio. He encouraged Christians to remain united in faith and continue supporting development projects within the Church.
The renovation at Our Lady of Assumption Riimenze Parish preserves structures that have stood for nearly eight decades, representing the enduring presence of the Catholic Church in the region and connecting current generations with the missionary heritage that established the faith in Western Equatoria State.
Call for Community Support
The Parish Priest of St. Paul Gitikiri, Reverend Father Andrea Mbuniwia, called upon Christians and well-wishers to contribute support wherever necessary to ensure the successful completion of the projects. He emphasized that the development of church structures requires collective responsibility and cooperation from the faithful, recognizing that parish infrastructure serves the entire community and benefits from shared investment.
Father Charles Mbikoyo, Director of the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, expressed appreciation to Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala for his vision, leadership, and care for priests within the diocese. He praised the Bishop’s dedication to improving pastoral services and church development across the region.
Gratitude to Partners
Father Mbikoyo also extended gratitude to the Sudan Relief Fund for its generosity and continued support to the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, noting that such assistance has greatly contributed to the growth and development of the Church and its mission in the area. SRF has been a consistent partner in supporting both humanitarian initiatives and institutional development across the diocese.
The ceremony marked an important milestone for both Our Lady of Assumption Riimenze Parish and St. Paul Gitikiri Parish as Christians celebrated the preservation of historical church structures and the foundation of new developments aimed at strengthening the future of the Church in the diocese.
Historical Significance
The 1947 wall blocks at Our Lady of Assumption Riimenze Parish represent the early missionary period when the Catholic Church was establishing its presence in what was then southern Sudan. These structures were built during the colonial era when missionaries faced tremendous challenges in constructing permanent buildings using local materials and limited resources. Their renovation ensures that this tangible link to the Church’s history in the region will be preserved for future generations.
The construction of seven new blocks at St. Paul Gitikiri Parish reflects the growth of the Catholic community and the need for expanded facilities to serve increasing numbers of faithful. These new structures will provide space for pastoral activities, catechetical formation, youth programs, and community gatherings that are essential to vibrant parish life.
Both projects demonstrate the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio’s commitment to maintaining its historical heritage while investing in infrastructure necessary for current and future ministry. Under Bishop Hiiboro’s leadership, the diocese has undertaken numerous construction and renovation projects across Western Equatoria State, strengthening the Church’s capacity to serve communities through improved facilities for worship, education, healthcare, and social services.
The blessing ceremony by the Vicar General signifies the Church’s recognition that buildings are not merely physical structures but sacred spaces that facilitate encounter with God and community. Through proper blessing, these renovated and newly constructed blocks are dedicated to God’s service and the mission of the Church.
As both parishes move forward with completing these projects, the participation and support of the faithful will be essential to ensuring that the vision articulated by parish priests and diocesan leadership becomes reality, creating spaces that will serve the Catholic community in Riimenze and Gitikiri for generations to come.
