By Sr. Laurencila Akinyi, FSSA.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, the Most Reverend Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, has expressed profound gratitude following a pastoral visit to Our Lady of South Sudan Western Deanery, during which he presided over several historic events marking spiritual renewal, community rebuilding, and deepened commitment to peace in Tombura and Nagero Counties.
In a note of gratitude issued June 23, 2026, Bishop Hiiboro described the visit as a deeply enriching spiritual experience and beautiful testimony of faith, resilience, unity, and hope, noting that he encountered communities whose faith remains vibrant despite many challenges endured over the years.
Historic Rededication of Tombura Church
Among the most significant milestones was the historic and prophetic rededication of the Catholic Church in Tombura. After years marked by violence, destruction, displacement, and suffering, the reopening and rededication of this sacred house of worship stands as a powerful sign of resurrection and renewal.
Bishop Hiiboro compared the event to the rebuilding of Jerusalem under Nehemiah, describing it as symbolizing the determination of the people to rise from the wounds of the past and build a future founded on reconciliation, faith, and hope. He characterized the rededication as a “Kairos moment”—a divinely appointed time—for Tombura and a visible sign that peace is gradually taking root in communities scarred by conflict.
Consecration of Source-Yubu City to Sacred Heart
Another extraordinary milestone was the solemn consecration of Source-Yubu City, commonly known as Rii-Yubu, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Situated on the frontier between South Sudan and the Central African Republic, this remote community has endured decades of insecurity, displacement, and underdevelopment.
The three-kilometer procession through the city, joined by thousands of faithful, represented a remarkable public witness of devotion and trust in God’s providence. Bishop Hiiboro described the consecration as a profound declaration that Christ’s love reaches every community and that no people are forgotten by God.
New Convent and Spiritual Foundation
Particularly joyful was the opening and blessing of the new convent of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration of Guadalupe in Rii-Yubu. Their arrival marks a significant chapter in the spiritual history of the Western Deanery and the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio.
Through their ministry of perpetual Eucharistic adoration, prayer, contemplation, and service, the sisters become a living sign of God’s presence among His people. In a region that has experienced many trials, their convent stands as a beacon of hope, spiritual renewal, and divine grace. Bishop Hiiboro expressed confidence that their prayers will strengthen families, support peace efforts, comfort the suffering, and draw countless blessings upon the entire region.
Educational and Infrastructure Development
The Bishop was equally delighted by the dedication of a multipurpose building, the blessing of Father Paco Primary School, and the inauguration of a girls’ hostel. He emphasized that these are not merely physical structures but investments in human dignity, education, leadership formation, and the future of children and youth.
These achievements demonstrate the Church’s enduring commitment to integral human development and the transformation of society through faith and service, reflecting Bishop Hiiboro’s consistent vision of addressing both spiritual and material needs of communities.
Peace Agents Commissioned for Reconciliation
The blessing and commissioning of peace agents represented another deeply meaningful moment during the pastoral visit. In a region that has known the pain of division and conflict, these dedicated men and women are called to become ambassadors of reconciliation, healers of wounds, and builders of unity.
Their mission reflects the Gospel call to be peacemakers and servants of the common good, embodying Bishop Hiiboro’s emphasis on the Church’s role in promoting peace and healing in post-conflict societies.
Coordinated Peacebuilding Efforts
Bishop Hiiboro was greatly impressed by the well-organized peacebuilding program that brought together Church leaders, government representatives, traditional authorities, and local communities in a common commitment to peace, dialogue, forgiveness, and coexistence.
Such collaboration offers great hope for the future of Tombura and Nagero Counties and demonstrates what can be achieved when people work together for the welfare of their communities. The coordinated approach reflects emerging recognition that sustainable peace requires partnership across all sectors of society.
Government and Traditional Leadership Cooperation
The Bishop acknowledged with special gratitude the enormous support received from Hon. Mathew Mabange, County Commissioner, whose leadership, cooperation, and commitment greatly contributed to the success of the pastoral visit. Through the Commissioner, Bishop Hiiboro extended sincere appreciation to all government institutions, security organs, and public servants who provided support throughout the visit.
The partnership between the Church and government authorities reflects a shared commitment to peace, development, and the well-being of the people. Bishop Hiiboro also expressed heartfelt thanks to traditional authorities whose wisdom, leadership, and collaboration continue to strengthen social harmony and communal cohesion.
He noted that the partnership between the Church, government authorities, and traditional leaders remains one of the strongest foundations upon which lasting peace and development can be built.
Community Hospitality and Cultural Generosity
The Bishop extended gratitude to all who offered generous hospitality during his stay, noting that the abundance of fruits, healthy organic drinks, and delicious local food reflected the richness of the region’s culture and the generosity of its people. He expressed that their kindness and warmth touched his heart deeply.
Abundant Rainfall as Sign of Divine Blessing
Perhaps most symbolically significant was the arrival of abundant rainfall after nearly two months of waiting. Bishop Hiiboro noted that for many in the region, this rain was more than a gift of nature; it was a visible sign of God’s providence and favor.
As the rain refreshed the earth and nourished the crops, it also seemed to symbolize the spiritual renewal and hope blossoming throughout the Western Deanery. In a region dependent on agriculture for food security, the timely rainfall carried both practical and spiritual significance.
Reflections on Faith and Resilience
Bishop Hiiboro returned from the pastoral visit strengthened, inspired, and filled with gratitude, having witnessed a Church that is alive, communities that are resilient, leaders who are committed, and a people determined to transform suffering into hope and challenges into opportunities.
His reflections emphasized that even at the frontier of the nation, where challenges are many and resources are few, faith continues to flourish, hope continues to grow, and God continues to write new chapters of grace through His people.
Significance for the Diocese
The multiple milestones achieved during the pastoral visit represent substantial progress in the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio’s mission of integral human development. The combination of spiritual renewal through church rededications and consecrations, infrastructure development through schools and community facilities, peace promotion through agent commissioning and peacebuilding programs, and government-Church collaboration demonstrates a comprehensive approach to community transformation.
The visit also highlights the critical role of religious communities, exemplified by the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, in providing spiritual sustenance and intercession for regions experiencing post-conflict recovery and ongoing development challenges.
Invocation of Intercession and Blessing
Bishop Hiiboro concluded his note of gratitude with prayers that Our Lady of South Sudan continue to watch over and intercede for the Western Deanery, that the Sacred Heart of Jesus bless Source-Yubu City and all its communities, and that God bless Tombura and Nagero Counties with lasting peace, reconciliation, security, prosperity, and integral human development.
The pastoral visit stands as testimony to the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio’s commitment to accompany communities in their journey from conflict toward healing, from despair toward hope, and from mere survival toward flourishing human development rooted in faith, dignity, and solidarity.
