By Sr. Laurencila Akinyi, FSSA.
The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has brought together teachers, catechists, and Parish Pastoral Council members for a day of reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal at Don Bosco Catholic Parish in Manguo.
The gathering provided diocesan educators and faith leaders opportunity to strengthen collaboration, deepen faith commitments, and renew dedication to serving children, young people, and communities throughout Western Equatoria State.
The Diocese emphasized that the gathering strengthens integral approach to youth and community formation. “The gathering provides a valuable opportunity to renew our shared mission, deepen our faith, strengthen collaboration, and appreciate the dedicated service of those who contribute daily to the evangelization and formation of our children, young people and communities,” diocesan leadership stated.
Schools impart academic knowledge; catechesis provides faith instruction; parish councils guide communities toward Gospel values. Working together, these sectors provide comprehensive formation addressing intellectual, spiritual, moral, and social development.
The gathering reflected diocesan priorities: FAITH • FAMILY • EDUCATION • WORK • PEACE
Teachers advance education through quality instruction grounded in Catholic values. Catechists strengthen faith formation. Pastoral leaders promote peace and social cohesion. Together they embody the Diocese’s comprehensive approach to integral human development.
The Diocese reaffirmed its foundational motto: “On one hand the hoe and on the other the Holy Bible.”
This image encapsulates the conviction that Gospel faith must accompany practical work and material development. The Bible provides spiritual guidance; the hoe represents work, agricultural productivity, and economic self-reliance. Neither can be neglected without undermining the other.
By gathering these workers for celebration and affirmation, the Diocese publicly recognized their often-undercompensated and challenging labor. Teachers work in limited-resource contexts. Catechists volunteer while managing subsistence farming. Pastoral council members sacrifice significant time.
Public recognition strengthens commitment and morale, reminding workers that their labor—though often invisible—is valued and essential to diocesan mission.
The gathering occurs as South Sudan prepares for December 2026 elections and post-conflict reconstruction. Schools and parishes are crucial spaces where young people learn democratic values, practice respectful dialogue, and envision peaceful alternatives to violence.
Teachers modeling respect and fairness, catechists teaching Gospel reconciliation, pastoral leaders addressing injustice collectively create cultural context supporting democratic processes.
The Diocese framed the gathering’s ultimate purpose as contributing to creation of “a stronger and more vibrant Church” capable of responding to contemporary challenges and advancing Gospel mission.
A vibrant Church requires dedicated, well-supported, spiritually renewed educators and pastoral leaders. By investing in their renewal and affirming their value, the Diocese strengthens its capacity for effective ministry.
As educators and pastoral leaders return to their communities, they carry renewed commitment to integral mission of evangelization and formation. The connections made, insights gained, and spiritual energy experienced will ripple through diocesan schools, parishes, and communities.
The Diocese of Tombura-Yambio’s gathering at Don Bosco Parish affirms that education and faith formation are central to diocesan mission and that educators and pastoral leaders deserve recognition, support, and spiritual renewal as they continue their vital vocations in service to God’s people.
