Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio Extends Heartfelt Congratulations to Cardinal Ameyu
By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) has congratulated Cardinal Dr. Ameyu Martin Mula on his elevation by Pope Francis.
“On behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, I would like to congratulate you on being elevated to Cardinal and thanks to Pope Francis for blessing South Sudan with its first Cardinal”.
In a Public Consistory held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, Pope Francis elevated 20 bishops and a priest to the prestigious rank of Cardinal. Among the newly appointed Cardinals was His Grace Dr. Stephen Ameyu Martin Mula, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Juba in South Sudan.
The elevation of Cardinal Martin makes him the second South Sudanese Cardinal after H.G. Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako
Bishop Eduardo added “We are confident that your spiritual leadership will promote the endeavors of the Church in South Sudan with so much to desire, its mission work, and pastoral contributions. We believe that your role as a church leader will be able to guide congregations and churches in your state and beyond for just and peaceful societies, with positive participation”.
One of the Cardinal’s essential roles is participation in the election of a new pope during a conclave, underscoring their influential position within the Catholic Church.
Each of the new cardinals who received the red hat at the consistory on Saturday chose a spiritual motto, giving a window into their spirituality and priorities. For Cardinal Dr. Stephene Ameyu Martin Mulla, “Joy in the Eternal Word Made Flesh” is his spiritual motto and his Episcopal coat of arms includes African drums, a traditional shield, and a golden cross.
“While we admire your contributions as a church in the Archdiocese of Juba, I especially would like to offer my heartfelt prayers for you, I pray that when you take up this new role, God’s empowering love, wisdom, and unity will surround you, as you serve communities and deal with the challenges that church in South Sudan have to address. Congratulations!”, Bishop Eduardo narrated.