Sr. Laurencila Akinyi, FSSA.
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, the Most Reverend Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, has arrived in the Diocese of Lodwar in Kenya’s Turkana region for a week-long pastoral visit centered on preaching at a spiritual retreat, celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Community of Saint Paul the Apostle, and strengthening ecclesiastical partnerships with the Diocese of Lodwar.
In a message to the faithful from Lodwar, Bishop Hiiboro expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to visit the Diocese of Lodwar for the first time, noting the striking beauty of the desert landscape as a testament to God’s creation and the resilience of the Turkana people.
The visit addresses three primary objectives that reflect both personal pastoral responsibility and institutional commitment to ecumenical collaboration and missionary effectiveness across borders.
Spiritual Retreat and Community Ministry
The Bishop was invited by the Community of Saint Paul the Apostle to serve as preacher at their Annual Spiritual Retreat, providing theological reflection and spiritual guidance to members of this longstanding religious community. The retreat addresses the spiritual formation and renewal of the community members who dedicate themselves to religious life and service.
The invitation reflects the recognition of Bishop Hiiboro’s pastoral expertise and his consistent commitment to supporting religious communities and deepening their spiritual life. Such invitations from communities across different dioceses and nations demonstrate the respect he has earned as a spiritual leader and teacher.
Celebration of Religious Community’s Golden Jubilee
Perhaps most significantly, the visit coincides with the celebration of the Community of Saint Paul the Apostle’s Golden Jubilee, marking fifty years of faithful service since the community’s founding. This milestone represents five decades of missionary work, spiritual formation, pastoral ministry, and service to the Church and society.
Bishop Hiiboro expressed deep admiration for the community’s work, describing their dedication to pastoral ministry, social outreach, spiritual formation, education, and human development as truly admirable. He characterized their witness as a powerful sign of the Gospel in action, emphasizing that such communities serve as visible manifestations of Christian faith lived authentically and committedly.
The celebration of such jubilees provides opportunity to reflect on institutional legacy, give thanks for faithful service, and inspire new generations to embrace religious vocations and commitment to Gospel values.
Sacred Encounter at Founder’s Tomb
One of the most spiritually significant moments of the visit, according to Bishop Hiiboro, was prayer at the tomb of the Community’s founder. He reflected that this sacred place inspires deeply and reminds visitors that great missionary endeavors are built on faith, sacrifice, and steady dedication to Christ.
The veneration of founders and recognition of those who established religious communities reflects Catholic tradition of honoring those who pioneered spiritual and pastoral work. Founders often embody the charism—the distinctive spiritual gift or character—of their communities, and their legacies continue to inspire and guide current and future members.
Ecclesiastical Partnership and Priest Exchange
The visit also provides opportunity for Bishop Hiiboro to meet with His Excellency Bishop Mbida of the Diocese of Lodwar. The two bishops work together under an ecclesiastical Memorandum of Understanding that facilitates exchange of priests, religious, and others between the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio and the Diocese of Lodwar.
Such agreements between dioceses serve multiple purposes: they enable sharing of pastoral resources, facilitate professional development and cross-cultural experience for clergy, strengthen communion and solidarity between local churches, and demonstrate the universal character of the Catholic Church transcending national boundaries.
The meeting between the bishops provides opportunity to renew commitment to this partnership and discuss how the exchange program can be strengthened and expanded to serve the missionary needs of both dioceses more effectively.
Cross-Border Pastoral Leadership
Bishop Hiiboro’s visit demonstrates the increasingly transnational nature of pastoral leadership in the Catholic Church. While based in South Sudan, his willingness to travel to neighboring countries to support religious communities, celebrate milestones, and strengthen institutional relationships reflects the understanding that episcopal ministry extends beyond diocesan boundaries to embrace broader Church communion.
The journey from South Sudan to Kenya also highlights the connectivity between East African dioceses and the practical collaboration that sustains effective pastoral ministry in the region.
Context of Religious Life in East Africa
The Community of Saint Paul the Apostle’s fifty-year presence in the Diocese of Lodwar reflects the significant contributions of religious communities to the mission of the Catholic Church in East Africa. Religious communities provide educational services, healthcare, spiritual formation, and pastoral ministry that complement the work of diocesan priests and contribute substantially to the Church’s presence in communities.
The Turkana region, while economically challenged and geographically remote, benefits from the presence of committed religious communities that bring spiritual resources and social services to pastoral areas.
Significance of the Visit
Bishop Hiiboro’s visit carries significance beyond personal and ceremonial dimensions. It represents:
Ecclesial Communion: The visit demonstrates active communion between dioceses and the practical collaboration that characterizes the Catholic Church’s universal structure.
Support for Religious Life: The Bishop’s participation in the community’s retreat and jubilee celebration affirms the vital role of religious communities in the Church’s mission.
Cross-Border Solidarity: The visit exemplifies how pastoral leaders from different nations collaborate and support one another in service to the Church.
Institutional Memory and Continuity: The celebration of the community’s Golden Jubilee honors their legacy and inspires commitment to their founding vision.
Return to South Sudan Leadership Responsibilities
Following his week-long visit to Lodwar, Bishop Hiiboro will return to Juba for the Annual Provincial Meeting of the Bishops of South Sudan, where he will participate in discussions about pastoral priorities, challenges, and strategies for the Church’s mission across the nation.
The timing of his visit demonstrates his ability to balance diocesan responsibilities with broader ecclesiastical commitments, including support for religious communities and participation in national episcopal meetings.
Prayer and Spiritual Leadership
Throughout his visit, Bishop Hiiboro has been maintaining prayerful connection with the faithful of his diocese, requesting their prayers as he engages in these pastoral and ecclesial activities. His request for prayer reflects the understanding that pastoral ministry and episcopal work are sustained by the spiritual support and intercession of the faith community.
Looking Forward
As Bishop Hiiboro completes his visit to the Diocese of Lodwar, the encounter between the Community of Saint Paul the Apostle and the Bishop of Tombura-Yambio will likely result in strengthened relationships, renewed commitment to shared missionary values, and practical outcomes emerging from the meetings with Bishop Mbida regarding the priest exchange program.
The visit also provides opportunity for Bishop Hiiboro to return to South Sudan with renewed perspective on pastoral work in challenging environments and deepened appreciation for the resilience and faith of communities in difficult circumstances.
As the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio continues its mission of integral human development and evangelization, partnerships like those with the Diocese of Lodwar and the Community of Saint Paul the Apostle contribute to a broader network of solidarity and mutual support that strengthens the Church’s capacity to serve effectively in complex and challenging contexts.
Bishop Hiiboro’s message concludes with blessing and encouragement: “May Almighty God bless you abundantly. Thank you, and let us keep moving forward in hope and in Christ.”
