2023
Meet Mrs. Anna Aquila, a Student at SARD Institute Aiming to Embrace Agri-Culture as a Full-Time Job
By Baraka John
Anna Aquila Gift is a young vibrant lady who hails from Western Equatoria state, aspiring to become a self-reliant woman in the near future through the practicing of agriculture as the source of income.
During the interview with the Rurugene reporter, Mrs. Anne revealed that her aim is to open up a big farm once she completes her 16 months of agricultural training at the institute.
Standing in the middle of her demonstration farm, Anna explains to the visiting state minister for agriculture and CDTY Bishop, how she gradually getting transformed from a localized farming system into the modern one.
She added that the 16-month course would highly change her life because she believed to start something new.
“I’m committed here to get modern skills of farming. I need this skill to turn around things. My focus is to become an innovative farmer in Western Equatoria state who will be supplying food across and beyond the country”, Anna stated.
Western Equatoria state is blessed with fertile land that needs no chemicals to rejuvenate the land for a better yield. Young people have mostly been encouraged by the state government and the Church to embark on farming to do away with poverty and hunger.
Mr. Marcello Constamtino a tutor at SARD Institute disclosed that most of the students who have completed their 16-month course and have been attached at Riimenze farm for monthly practical sessions awaiting their graduation.
SARD Institute aims to design and offer agricultural training programs in modern sustainable agriculture for rural development.
The institute based its emphasis on Agri- perineural training, so as to improve the agricultural skills and knowledge leading to production, marketing, peaceful and food-secure society.
The agricultural institute offers three categories of courses for 16 months, 6 months, and 1 week.
2023
“Let the Sacred Heart of Jesus Remind You of the Mystery of the Love of God”, Bishop Urge Devotee
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
On the occasion of Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Devotee across CDTY have been called to let the Sacred Heart of Jesus remind them of the mystery of the love of God for the people of all times and as His followers are called to do the same.
In his homily he said, “St. Louis de Montfort said of our Blessed Mother’s Immaculate Heart, “If you put all the love of all the mothers into one heart, it still would not equal the love of the heart of Mary for her children.” When we honor the Immaculate Heart, we give ultimate honor to Jesus”.
He added, “The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has a great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and indeed a very strong devotional group who are very energetic and huge empowerment for the diocese”.
The devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in CDTY are over 5000 members in all 35 parishes they hold special celebrations as they all make devotional promises for one year to practice the true love of God.
Referring to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he said, “The Sacred Heart is the actual heart of Christ and also indicates His love for humanity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The prayer of the Church venerates and honors the Heart of Jesus just as it invokes his most holy name. It adores the incarnate Word and his Heart which, out of love for men, he allowed to be pierced by our sins.” (CCC 2669).
Associated with St. Margaret Mary Alacoque who saw multiple visions of the Sacred Heart between 1673 and 1675, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has been celebrated all over the world since 1856 during the time of Pius IX where devotees honor the heart of Jesus as a symbol of “God’s boundless and passionate love for humankind.”
2023
State Minister for Agriculture and CDTY Bishop Inspects SARD Institute in Support of Changing Social and Economic Condition of Society Through Agriculture
By Baraka John
The State Minister of Agriculture and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura -Yambio on Tuesday 20th June 2023 morning, paid an inspection visit to the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture for Rural Development (SARD) to inspect the practical learning of different components of agriculture.
Hon. Alison Barnaba and His Lordship Barani Edwardo Hiiboro met with the students of SARD Institute and encouraged them to commit to agricultural work as one way to alleviate hunger in the community.
In his message of encouragement, Hon. Alison Barnaba called upon the students to use the skills they are acquiring in the field to change the style of farming system in the State.
The minister expresses his ministry’s readiness to work hand in hand with the SARD institute to promote and encourage farming in the state through acquiring modern skills in agriculture.
“What we are after is, we are trying to increase our productivity of agriculture, and this has been our policy that all South Sudanese must engage in business agriculture farming. We need our people to be rich, to be able to pay school fees of their kids, maintain their lives, and even donate relief assistance to other countries” Minister Barnaba stated.
The minister added, “This is purely the initiative of the Catholic Church to support the poor people, to overcome poverty in the region by only to farming oil will never last for a hundred years but agricultural farming will last for a hundred years”.
Meanwhile, Barani Edwardo Hiiboro welcomed the visit of the agriculture minister to see for himself the development at the institute, he noted, the SARD institute aims to bring peace to the community through cultivation to fight out hunger.
“The common enemy is hunger, if everybody is eating, there will be no conflict, so this is a farm for peace, these students are working to bring peace to the Country. We as the diocese open up to collaborate with the State Ministry of Agriculture because we want to educate everybody to produce enough food in our State”, Bishop Hiiboro explained.
SARD Institute is an initiative of the CDTY initiated in 2021, with the sole objective to transform a peaceful, food secure, and economically enable society through improved modern sustainable agriculture for rural development.
2023
Rev. Fr. Basana Alfred Successfully Defends Thesis and Embodies Academic Excellence
By: Sem: Mboriidie Simon
In Rome, June 20, 2023 – in a momentous occasion that brought immense joy and pride to the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, Rev. Fr. Basana Alfred emerged triumphant as he successfully defended his thesis for a master’s degree at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, Italy.
Fr. Basana Alfred, demonstrated his strong dedication and commitment to academic pursuits by completing the rigorous curriculum of Physiology of Development in the Faculty of Science and Education.
This remarkable accomplishment highlights his deep understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing human development and emphasizes the vital role of psychology in fostering societal healing, supporting individuals traumatized by the effects of war, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that often result from war experiences.
During the defense, Fr Basana expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop of CDTY, Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, whose numerous supports played an instrumental role in enabling the successful completion of his master’s program.
“I am deeply grateful to my Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro for his invaluable support towards my studies, without his guidance and encouragement, this accomplishment would not have been possible”, Fr Alfredo stated.
He humbly promised to continue praying for the bishop’s mission and expressed his profound appreciation to the Christian community, fellow priests in CDTY, and his family for their prayers and support throughout his academic journey.
As Fr. Basana Alfred embarked on this intellectual quest, he faced the dual challenge of navigating a new language and advancing in age. However, with the film’s faith in God’s guidance and grace, he overcame these obstacles and emerged triumphant, demonstrating that anything is possible with faith and determination.
“When I started, it was difficult to navigate the complexities of a new language, but with God everything is possible” he revealed.
Present at the thesis defense was Fr. Hume George, a respected priest from the CDTY who conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Fr. Basana on behalf of the entire diocese.
Fr. George acknowledged the significance of this achievement, noting that Fr Basana’s success has brought immense pride and honor to CDTY.
2023
YMAPS College, the Training Institution Known for Vocational Training, Offers Additional Wide Range of Short Courses
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
Yambio Institute of Management and Polytechnic Studies (YMAPS) recognizes the critical role played by continuous learning in an individual’s competitiveness and employability. Continuous learning provides a platform for enhancing technical and professional skills for personal development and keeping pace with the ever constantly changing world. It is in this view that YMAPS has noticed the need to offer short courses like Hotel Management, Catering, Bike Repairs, Basic Mechanic, and Watch Repair among others.
Rurugene Online News interviewed Mr. David Ngbanisa, the Principal of YMAPS in a bid to shed some light on the College, its history, the need to offer short courses as well as what it offers to society.
According to the Principal, the main aim of professional and short courses is to provide students with specific skills to earn more practical experience in a specific area of specialization adding that it is the only way of imparting skills required for the job market.
The principal further said that the YMAPS is the brainchild of Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) as an institute to commemorate the first Diocesan Centenary of CDTY from 1912-2012. The College started lectures in 2014 and held its first graduation ever on 16th July 2022, with the joy of its tremendous growth, the board together with the bishop held a meeting on 14th, Wednesday 2023 to discuss the best way of introducing new short courses.
When asked how the College is contributing to society, he stated that the YMAPS is already serving society, he continued, “Some of our students are commissioners of three countries, and others work in security and UN agencies”, he said.
YMAPS is known for offering courses that solve challenges in the locality like trauma healing and psychosocial support and Peace and conflict resolution among others.
He further stressed that YMAPS aims to empower the community and therefore the tuition fee affordable.
In their meeting with the bishop, he called upon the senior four leavers to join the institute and assured them of their capability to offer quality and the most updated knowledge to deliver comprehensive services in their cadres.
Mr. Simon Sungu, one of the Lectures reassured the general public of their adequate human resources to offer satisfactory teaching.
2023
“Perseverance is One of the Secrets of Success”, Bishop Hiiboro’s Message to Students of CUSS Yambio Campus
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
Bishop Hiiboro Eduardo Kussala, the Bishop of CDTY who doubles as the patron of the Catholic University of South Sudan’s St. John’s Yambio Campus, located in the city of Yambio in his message to students of the Catholic University of South Sudan, Yambio Campus said that “perseverance is one of the secrets to success”, stressing that the roads may be rough and zigzag but they must reach the top.
“Perseverance is one of the secrets of success. If we keep moving towards our goal, never quitting, we shall eventually reach it, as the St. John’s Campus’ motto: “Semper Sursum”- “Aim Always High” points to each one, especially you students”.
In his message signed on 17th June 2023, Bishop Hiiboro acknowledged the importance of governors of all kinds including the student council since the role they play in offering support is crucial.
“Governors of all kinds including of students are critical in the life of a learning Institution. While they are not frontline staff, the role they play in supporting the education offered is crucial. They have four core functions: 1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; 2. Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organization and its students, and the performance management of staff; 3. Overseeing the financial performance of the organization and making sure its money is well spent; 4. Ensuring the voices of school stakeholders are heard. This role you squarely share in it as well”.
In so doing, he said “Student Plenary Assembly is a moment of grace, a celebration of hope, and a conviction of God’s enduring accompaniment. Like the disciples with Mary in the Upper Room, we were bonded in one common faith, one baptism, and one Lord. Despite our differences, which were many and intense at times, we came together with the best interest of the Church at heart”.
According to the prelate, the values of brotherhood, unity, justice, and peace in the present day are deteriorating, posing a challenge to students on what they can do to reverse the situation. He continued, “lack of God-fearing leaders – less integrity and poor option for honesty, who is going to change this trend?
Addressing the need for a better environment, the bishop said, “on ecology, there is a recognition of the urgency in addressing the environmental crises of our times and a commitment to join the Laudato Si’ Action Plan that I have repeatedly echoed from our Pope. I need you our students and staff to become believers in this. A hoe in One Hand theory. This call to action obliges us not only to care for our common home as a matter of planetary sustainability but also to a sense of God-given stewardship. Our response to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth is inextricably linked together”.
Consequently, he cautioned the students to avoid laziness and idle conversation which can not put food on their tables, and pleaded with them to change, be creative, and take positive initiative.
He echoed the Gospel message further, “I ask you to be Peace agents or activists! Jesus said, “I leave you peace, my peace I give to you.” Indeed, he was speaking of peace, which the world cannot give. Each individual must find time to experience that peace, being united with God. When such an individual who finds inner peace, shares that peace with the other, our earth will become a holy place to live in”.
He finally recognized the services rendered by the pioneers, saying, “Here I want to place on record the selfless and untiring services rendered by Rev. Fr. Maurice Ibiko the Director and Rev. Fr. Joseph Andrea Mbuniwia, Fr. Stefan Lecleir, and now Fr. Joseph Migidi along with the committed teaching and non-teaching members of the staff and all the co-workers of this Campus. I thank you all dear Students for your hard work and humility. Please love this University, you are the PIONEERS. Work hard and positively to leave LEGACY for centuries”.
2023
Celebration of Sacred Heart of Jesus at Mid-West Holy Spirit Deanery and Mid-East Deanery
In preparation for the celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Charles Mbikoyo, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption, Riimenze parish organized a workshop for the devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to equip them with the knowledge about the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The facilitators Mr. Kpatamara and Mr. Justine reminded the devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the importance of their group in the Catholic Church.
Fr. Mbikoyo further express he wishes that all the devotional groups should have a bond of understanding between them and the parish as well as with other devotional groups so that the work of God can move forward, and not bring segregation amidst themselves.
Mrs. Marriana one of the devotees extended her happiness for the lesson she had acquired from the workshop adding that she would Wish that it can continue like that so that those Who have left may return to their group to do the work of God.
She further thanked the Parish Priest for the love he has shown to different devotional groups.
In his reflection to the hundreds of Sacred Hearts of Jesus devotees and Christians, Fr. Abbas looked at Jesus as the best ruler who loves his subjects and delegates power to them to act in his name. He added that the call and choice of the 12 tribes of Israel by God and the 12 apostles by Christ are symbolic in our calls today to serve God in different ways and in various apostolic groups.
He challenged the devotees to know whether they will fulfill all their vows to the Lord and to serve the Lord diligently through their brother and sister.
The Hon. County Commissioner who was in attendance advised the Christians to work hard in order to produce more food to combat the high inflation in the markets and to remain faithful in their undertakings.
2023
“Perseverance is One of the Secrets of Success”, Bishop of Hiiboro’s Message to Students of CUSS Yambio Campus
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
Bishop Hiiboro Eduardo Kussala, the Bishop of CDTY who doubles as the patron of the Catholic University of South Sudan’s St. John’s Yambio Campus, located in the city of Yambio in his message to students of the Catholic University of South Sudan, Yambio Campus said that “perseverance is one of the secrets to success”, stressing that the roads may be rough and zigzag but they must reach the top.
“Perseverance is one of the secrets of success. If we keep moving towards our goal, never quitting, we shall eventually reach it, as the St. John’s Campus’ motto: “Semper Sursum”- “Aim Always High” points to each one, especially you students”.
In his message signed on 17th June 2023, Bishop Hiiboro acknowledged the importance of governors of all kinds including the student council since the role they play in offering support is crucial.
“Governors of all kinds including of students are critical in the life of a learning Institution. While they are not frontline staff, the role they play in supporting the education offered is crucial. They have four core functions: 1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; 2. Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organization and its students, and the performance management of staff; 3. Overseeing the financial performance of the organization and making sure its money is well spent; 4. Ensuring the voices of school stakeholders are heard. This role you squarely share in it as well”.
In so doing, he said “Student Plenary Assembly is a moment of grace, a celebration of hope, and a conviction of God’s enduring accompaniment. Like the disciples with Mary in the Upper Room, we were bonded in one common faith, one baptism, and one Lord. Despite our differences, which were many and intense at times, we came together with the best interest of the Church at heart”.
According to the prelate, the values of brotherhood, unity, justice, and peace in the present day are deteriorating, posing a challenge to students on what they can do to reverse the situation. He continued, “lack of God-fearing leaders – less integrity and poor option for honesty, who is going to change this trend?
Addressing the need for a better environment, the bishop said, “on ecology, there is a recognition of the urgency in addressing the environmental crises of our times and a commitment to join the Laudato Si’ Action Plan that I have repeatedly echoed from our Pope. I need you our students and staff to become believers in this. A hoe in One Hand theory. This call to action obliges us not only to care for our common home as a matter of planetary sustainability but also to a sense of God-given stewardship. Our response to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth is inextricably linked together”.
Consequently, he cautioned the students to avoid laziness and idle conversation which can not put food on their tables, and pleaded with them to change, be creative, and take positive initiative.
He echoed the Gospel message further, “I ask you to be Peace agents or activists! Jesus said, “I leave you peace, my peace I give to you.” Indeed, he was speaking of peace, which the world cannot give. Each individual must find time to experience that peace, being united with God. When such an individual who finds inner peace, shares that peace with the other, our earth will become a holy place to live in”.
He finally recognized the services rendered by the pioneers, saying, “Here I want to place on record the selfless and untiring services rendered by Rev. Fr. Maurice Ibiko the Director and Rev. Fr. Joseph Andrea Mbuniwia, Fr. Stefan Lecleir, and now Fr. Joseph Migidi along with the committed teaching and non-teaching members of the staff and all the co-workers of this Campus. I thank you all dear Students for your hard work and humility. Please love this University, you are the PIONEERS. Work hard and positively to leave LEGACY for centuries”.
2023
Legion of Mary Group at Our Lady of Assumption Riimenze Parish in CDTY Undergo Training to Enhance Participation in Church Activities
By Sem. Ndangi William
Members of the Legion Maria Group at Our Lady of Assumption Riimenze Parish, in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura – Yambio (CDTY) received skills in leadership and group management organized by Fr. Charles Mbikoyo the parish Priest and Mr. Gbia Undere Richard, the head of the Catechists of CDTY as the facilitator.
According to a Saturday, 10 June report, the workshop that was organized by the parish Priest Fr. Charles Mbikoyo sought to elect leaders who will lead the group for the next three years and to foster quality services and people participation in activities and commitment to the group.
The 34 participants in the one-day workshop were major members of the Legion Maria group.
The training that was spearheaded by Fr. Charles focused on, leadership, commitment, opening up a farm to support the group activities, how to be always with the Blessed Virgin Mary, and carrying out activities from home to home with prayers for the sick.
In his message, Fr. Charles Mbikoyo who doubles as the director of the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP), the Social Wing of CDTY says, I am happy to see how the faithful has responded to any workshop being called, he added, I am convinced that with the knowledge they have been given, they are going to spread the skills to the centers and Chapels so that they can come together and make their Legion of Maria group active”, he said.
Fr. Charles further said to the Legion Maria group, “I came here as a parish Priest not to be to myself only but to be with the people, the community, to all the devotional groups and to make sure that those who are unable to receive Christ should be able to receive despite the distance”, and echoing the words of Monsignor José Maria, he said, “the service of a Priest is to take the Gospel to the people, to give oneself completely to help those in need and to be the servant of the people and for the people”.
Fr. Charles hopes to replicate the program in all devotional groups.
2023
South Sudanese Prelate Encouraged Christians to Pray for an Increase in Farm Produce and Birth Rate
By Baraka John
As the Catholic Church commemorated the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Corpus Christi, South Sudanese Prelate has requested Christians in all parishes of Tombura-Yambio Diocese to pray for an increase in farm productivity in the farming season to avert hunger.
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi is normally marked by a procession with the Blessed Sacrament.
Each parish from the six deaneries did a procession to celebrate the day. In the central deanery, thousands of Christians held a 3km procession to pray for an increase in farm productivity.
The procession that was themed “Hail Jesus Christ in a Holy Eucharist” started from Yambio State Hospital to St Mary Mother of God Parish which included Christians from St Josephine Bakitha Parish and Patience at the State hospital joined the parishioners for the prayers.
In his homily, Bishop Edwardo called on Christians to take time and pray for an increase in farm production as well as an increase in the birth rate among human beings to fulfill God’s command, who said, “Go out there and fill the earth”.
“Today we are praying that the gardens that we have planted may grow. We are also asking God to bless families so that there will be an increase in the birth rate because God has commanded us to fill this earth. So, we should use the things that God has given us properly, among it is to produce enough food and to have the number of people increased”.
Bishop Hiiboro said the procession signified that Jesus Christ is in our midst and pouring his blessing on the Christians, adding that Jesus knows all the needs of humankind.
“Today we shall be worked with Jesus on our streets, asking him to bless us. He is here, he knows our needs, among the needs we have put before him are our garden and the increase in birth rate, we need to produce”.
The local ordinary of CDTY strongly emphasizes the importance of engaging, urging Christians to discharge their duties with passion and love in order to get better rewards.
“Love your job, do it effectively, and diligently so as to get a better reward. If you are given an assignment, take it wholeheartedly show passion and love to do the work neatly”.
The Sunday feast was also used to pray for unity among people to pave the way for the peace of the Lord to prevail among His people and create a conducive environment for humankind.