2023
“From Sacraments to Gardening: Fr. Luke Yugue’s Holistic Approach to Ministry”
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
In a colorful celebration, on 6th August 2023, in the presence of Christians and the local authorities, Fr Luke Yugue was installed as the Parish Priest of Nazareth Parish in Nagero. The Christians of Nagero are thankful after so many years has finally had a resident Parish Priest.
Ahead of the installation, the Christian community in Nagero built three tackles for the new Parish Priest. As one of his first works, Fr Luke has managed to reopen Nagero Secondary School. By now, it’s the only Secondary school in the County.
In an online interview with Rurugene Online Newsletter, Fr. Luke disclosed that he received the news of his appointment with great happiness.
To effectively manage the administrative and financial aspects of the Parish, Fr. Luke underscored that “he will train the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) to know their role as far as Parish administering the parish resources”, he added that his plan is to cooperate and collaborate with PPC in matters concerning their roles.
Fr. Luke further said that he will involve all the parishioner planning, and implementation of Parish activities in order to promote active participation and engagement of parishioners in various ministries and initiatives.
He went on to express that he will pay more attention to the celebration of the sacrament and the spiritual development of every Christian and ensure that he does something for himself like gardening.
“I will have to pay attention to the celebration of the Sacraments and the spiritual development of every Christian and make sure I also do something for myself for example; Gardening”.
He also promised to strengthen the connection between the parish and the broader community, including outreach efforts and partnerships with local organizations by reaching out to both the community and the local organization and partners.
“I will make sure that I reach out to them both the community and the local organization and the partners”.
He added that his vision is to ensure that Christians are helped to grow spiritually, to construct Parish houses and the Church since the Parish is in a mission land with no facility, to strengthen the capacity of the Secondary School, and push it to meet the required standard, to provide clean water, to open field for the Parish, and to begin some investments and self-help activities. He stressed that his goal is to see the parish flourishing both spiritually and in social activities.
2023
St. John Paul II Seminarians Thrive in Agriculture Integration as a Way of Planting Faith, Nurturing Futures
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
Following up on the quest of Bishop Eduardo, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY), that each Parish or Institution to own at least one-acre farm for the cultivation, St. John Paul II Institute of Philosophy known for its commitment to holistic education and spiritual formation has embarked on a unique journey of not only transforming the lives of its seminarians but also that of the landscape.
In an interview with Rurugene Online Newsletter, Fr. Natale elaborated that “incorporating farming practices in the Seminary enables the Seminarians to cultivate the spirit of creativity and initiative as they depend on their own effort to produce their own food and it’s a source of income for the Seminary in case they produce enough food that the surplus can be sold and the money be repurposed”, he also added that farming in the Seminary also helps Seminarians to learn new methods of crop production.
As the second season of planting approaches, the Seminarians community has gathered to celebrate the fruits of their labor with smiles on their faces since they have reaped the rewards of their hard work.
During the interview, Fr. Natale underscored that aligning farming with the mission and vision of the Seminary is part of formation stressing that “training seminarians on how they can farm will help them when they make it to priesthood not only to value nature and environment but also to help them provide food for the Parishes and Institutions they will be heading”.
The rector further disclosed that apart from cultivating deep spiritual connections in the process of cultivation, seminarians were able to learn practical skills and knowledge in agricultural activities like crop rotation and shift farming methods.
The rector added they have learned different key lessons from this harvest season. “The key lesson we have learned from this harvest season is that the earlier we plant our crops the better harvest we can get, and weeding of our crops is paramount for a successful harvest”, Fr. Natale said.
As they prepare for the second season of planning, he said that they will introduce the two systems of farming; “crop rotation and shift farming”, keeping up with rearing sheep and planning to rear pigs and ducks.
2023
Parishioners Come Together to Lift Up Grieving Catechist and His Family After Tragic Loss
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
The Christians of St, Peter and Paul Parish, Nuvundio Chapel, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Mizeredi Simone came together to be in solidarity with their Catechist Anthony Mazabutu after losing his wife through a snake bite.
“Actually, no one expected what happened, because she was not sick, she worked in the garden up to midday, in the evening she decided to go and uproot the cassava to boil for dinner, on her way back from the garden she was bitten by a snake, they rushed her to the hospital, almost reaching the hospital, she passed away and the body was brought back”, Fr. Simone narrated.
“Mr. Anthony has served for more than 20 years and at the same time his late wife has served as the chair Lady of the Legion of Mary group until the last day of her life on earth”, Fr. said.
Fr. Simone further explained that he mobilized the community towards the noble act of charity after learning about the untimely death of the Catechist’s wife.
“After learning about the passing of his wife, I started by writing letters to all apostolic groups in the parish, inviting them to come for a brief meeting in which I disclosed how we can go together and give support to our Catechist, they were happy to do it very quickly. And we decided to go and show him that we love him and to show him that we stand by him in the sad situation in which he was going through and also the family and community for the loose t of that great woman”.
He added, that the motivation behind this initiative was rooted in Anthony’s and his wife commitment to serving God and the community. Their genuine care and dedication inspired others to come together and provide practical and emotional support.
“What motivated us is actually by looking at his lifestyle since he has been serving God as a catechist and also his wife has been so committed. His commitment to the service of the church and also to the community of Nuvundio Chapel actually motivated us to take this initiative and go and pay a visit to him in times of distress so that we can stand beside our brothers and sisters”.
During the visit, Fr, Simone observed that the family and the community were happy with their presence in the community, they celebrated mass and prayed with the family and the entire community, shared with him words of consolation, and supported him with material things.
“According to my observation, the family and community at large were so happy, first holy mass was offered for the passing of his wife and we prayed for himself and the entire community he was serving, secondly, we shared with him the words of consolation, and also supported him in both materially and spiritually. So, with all this mission, they were so happy and we were appreciated actually by family and the community at large”.
To continue providing support for Mr. Anthony and his family, Fr. Simone said, “As members we must stand with our brothers and sisters when they are in bad situations consolation and love, and also our plan for this incident, we already have a meeting that day with the community and the family on how to care for this great man who has been offering great service to the church, so our plan is to identify a place where he can be put something like a “tuku” where he can establish himself and we shall continue to be close to him and make sure he gets better”.
Addressing his fellow priests and all those serving in the Church, Fr. Simone said, “My message is that my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we who are trying to serve God, to be the leaders in the church, the only thing we can show to our love is to act through action, words and actions, we cannot only preach in the church that ‘love one another, ‘show unity’, while you yourself, are not leaving by that example, through this we cannot make it, so the only thing we can do is to be close to our people, pay attention to them, the situation that they are going through we have to go with them and stand with them and show it by action, actually, through this, we can promote a vibrant community in the society”.
Finally, the Parish Priest explained that “Nuvundio Chapel is one of the oldest Chapel in St. Peter and Paul Catholic Parish. It has supported the parish in many ways. It has helped the parish in terms of evangelization from the grassroots, and also it has supported the parish in terms of material things, money, and other things like food. It has helped the Christian community of the parish at large to stick to their faith”.
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2023
Efforts Ongoing to Apprehend Burglaries Who Stole Millions of SSP in Curia, Yambio
By Baraka John
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend criminals who broke into the finance office in Curia last week and made away with millions of pounds and thousands of American dollars.
The incident happened on the night of Tuesday last week around 1-2 am, then thieves got into the compound of Curia and got into the finance section through the roof, and moved away with over seventeen million South Sudanese pounds and thirty-six thousand United States dollars.
According to a statement issued by a committee formed to coordinate with the state intelligence organs to tress the thieves, no arrest has been made so far besides the two guards who were on duty on the night of the incident.
The administration in Curia said it took them the responsibility to report the case to the offices of government intelligence organs to investigate the two guards who were on duty that night. It said, “Some individuals in the department of finance were taken for investigation”.
The statement of the committee further recommended that the government will continue with its intervention and later presents its findings.
The administration requested the Diocesan Internal Audit team to take control of the departments of finance and verify the remaining cash in Diocesan Financial Inter-service, and provide concrete report of the cash stolen and the remaining balance as soon as possible.
The committee is appealing to those who are affected to remain calm as the investigation is ongoing.
“We are indeed sorry for all that has happened, and it reminds us of the quote of the scripture the parable of Jesus which says “You realize that if a homeowner had known at what time of the night a thief was coming, he would have stayed awake. He would not have let the thief break into Mt. 24:43. He would surely watch and would not suffer his house to be broken Lk 12:39”. We have only gained our strength through your encouraging words especially when you have told us “We Christians are the people of Faith and Hope, and God is in charge always, that he loves us and he has plans for us. Therefore, every step that we are undertaking is going to be guided by your prayers and ours too, to God”.
2023
Fr. Tombe Charles Takes the Helm of Central Deanery as its Episcopal Vicar
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
In the quaint of St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Parish, the air was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The community gathered on Sunday 23rd July 2023, to witness a momentous occasion- the installation of their new Episcopal Vicar, Fr. Tombe Charles. The event marked a new chapter in the spiritual journey of the Central Deanery, and Christians were eager to welcome their new spiritual leader.
In his homily, Fr. Benjamin Wasi, the Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and Religious who presided over the occasion praised the deanery for its unwavering faith and emphasized the importance of a shared journey, serving a patient and compassionate God who gives us time to convert and repent from our sinful act.
Fr. Wasi further added, “Let us avoid being judgmental to our brothers and sisters because we are all sinners who need God’s forgiveness and mercy, let us correct and help our weak and sinful brothers and sisters through a good example and avoid criticizing them because God wants the bad and good to live together so that bad can have time to convert to God”.
The celebration was attended by priests and other representatives from the parishes under Central Deanery.
2023
“HUMEKODA BEE & HUMEKODA BERA Initiative”, Well Embraced by Christians of Riimenze Parish
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
Hume Koda Bee and Hume Koda Bera also known as Diocesan Family Day is an initiative initiated to support the development of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio (CDTY) and to help the bishop in his pastoral ministries.
According to Fr. Charles Mbikoyo, the Parish Priest of Riimenze Parish, the Christians of Riimenze are embracing the initiative gradually. He explained that last Sunday he was at Bodo Center fundraising for a concrete shelter for prayers and Christians supported the idea.
In an online interview with Fr. Elia Kanido Alfred Zomai, the Administrator of Hume Koda Bee-Bera noted that as a committee, they have a jam-packed program planned for the annual family day.
“This year, we are sending our representatives to different parishes two by two to different deaneries to explain to our Christians the importance of the power of contributing with heart and mind”.
This year the initiative is asking for the support of; Lectionaries, Prayer books, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Rites for celebrating Sacrament, Certificates for the Sacraments/Baptismal Cards, and Hymnals/songs books.
The diocese has invited all Christians and people of goodwill to come and support the CDTY and the celebration is set to be on 14th, September 2023, at St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Parish, Yambio.
2023
Remembering the Legacy: Annual Celebration Honoring the Late Titarani Bishop Gasi Abangite
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
The annual anniversary of the late Joseph Gasi Abangite is set to be on 13th September. Bishop Gasi who passed away on 12 September 2014 had been at the helm of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio (CDTY) since his Episcopal Ordination in April 1975. He retired in April 2008 at the age of 80.
In a statement received by Rurugene Online Newsletter Monday, August 8, Bishop Eduardo described the late bishop Gasi as “a true ambassador of peace and safeguard of admired moral life” that his day is worth recalling.
“A solemnity in our diocesan standard of recalling Bishop Gasi’s way a true ambassador
of Peace and Safeguard of admired moral life”.
In his statement, he urged all Christians together for the festive and ask for peace and love for their Nation since where there is love, there is peace.
“Let us gather these festivities and ask for peace and love for our Nation and our diocese as well as the world. Where there is love, there is peace. So let us go to the root and ask for the grace to live an authentic love that will always be accompanied by the fruits of true peace”.
In his August 8 message, Bishop Eduardo reminded the community of CDTY of the principles that were most dear to Titarani Joseph Gasi.
“We know that among the principles most dear to Titarani Bishop Gasi was that of charity, love of God, love of neighbor, love of the Fatherland and motherland. Love that he lived on a true path of interior conversion. Thus, we read in the Informative Ordinary Process that Titarani Bishop Gasi Abangite avoided discord and disputes, and one of his resolutions was to do the will of others rather than his own. He also resolved “to guard his tongue carefully, and vowed, at the age of 12, not to utter with inadvertence and deliberation of any bad, useless or idle word. Moreover, he abhorred “offense against the honor, reputation, and peace of his neighbor”, and “in his numerous correspondences, which go from one end of his life to the other, he never gives his advice or warnings the form of irony, or at least of hurtful irony.” He often sighs, whatsoever be the case”.
Bishop Eduardo added, “We are also familiar with this precious advice from Titarani Joseph Gasi Abangite Father de C addressed to his faithful in Yambio after the tribal conflict in Yambio: “Have a tender and pure charity for your enemies; pray in particular for those who may have been the cause of what you are suffering…” His “evangelical revenge plot”, which follows this same principle of praying more for those who are the cause of our suffering, is also very familiar to us” stressing that his beautiful and courageous inspirations are rooted in his capacity for inner silence, hi attentive listening to the Holy Spirit, and his docility to live according to his inspiration.
He called upon the Christians to be encouraged by the words of the late Bishop Gasi and ask the Lord to bless them with peace so that peace may be spread to all, especially to their families, diocese, state, and the whole world.
He continued, “In the footsteps of our holy Pioneer Titarani Bishop Gasi Abangite, let us ask for the grace to live in attentiveness and dependence on the Holy Spirit, love of God, and love of others, so that, whatever the places and circumstances of our lives, we may be peacemakers.
The celebration will begin with Holy Mass to be presided over by the Local Ordinary of the CDTY Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala.
Rev. Joseph Gasi Abangite was born in January, 1st 1928, ordained as a priest on 21st December 1957, appointed to be the Bishop of Tombura-Yambio on 12th December 1974, ordained and installed as a bishop on 6th April 1975 at the age of 47. He retired as a bishop on 19th April 2008 at the age of 80 and died on 13th September 2014.
2023
“Spiritual Growth and Academic Triumphs Illuminate Tombura-Yambio’s Century of Faith”
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
“Delayed but Unyielding: Tombura-Yambio Gears Up for Grand Centennial Faith Celebration”
A momentous occasion is on the horizon – the 100-year celebration of Faith in Rii-Yubu. The air is charged with anticipation and every corner of the diocese is bustling with preparations for the grand event.
As the calendar turned to a new year, the CDTY leaders had hoped to launch the celebration, but unforeseen circumstances had pushed the event to December 2023. While it may have been a delay, it only added to the fervor that was building up. The Arrival to Rii-Yubu for the launching is scheduled to be on December 2nd, and the Celebration would culminate on December 11th, ten days of jubilation and spiritual enrichment.
Bishop Eduardo in his Monday 7th statement encouraged all the members of CDTY to honor the event with various activities that resonated deeply within the community. Parishes, institutions, and individuals are all encouraged to contribute in their own unique ways. It is a chance to showcase their unity, creativity, and unwavering faith.
“Priests of Promise: Tombura-Yambio’s Spiritual Leaders Embark on Philosophical Journey”
Amidst the preparations, four respected priests – Rev. William Abbas, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Mborimbuko, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Birandukuo, and Rev. Fr. Luke Paingbafuyo – had been chosen for a special opportunity. The St. Arruppe Jesuit Catholic University Harare Zimbabwe had opened its doors for these priests to study Philosophy. This is an academic endeavor; it is an opportunity to deepen their spiritual understanding and enrich their service to the community.
As Rev. Fr. Birandukuo is in the recovery process after illness, Rev. Abbas will take off for his journey in January 2024. Meanwhile, Fr. Emmanuel Mborimbuko and Fr. Luke Paingbafuyo had already embarked on a new chapter. With admission tests passed, they are set to leave for Zimbabwe in early August, “let’s pray for them and for our diocese for more priests”, Bishop added.
“Homecoming Heroes: Six Seminarians Set to Return to Tombura-Yambio After Studies”
But that wasn’t the only good news. Six major Seminarians, who had ventured to Europe and Juba for their studies, will be completing their studies and returning to the diocese. Their homecoming is a testament to their dedication and resilience.
“Rev. Fr. Alfred Basana Triumphs in Rome, Set to Illuminate Tombura-Yambio”
Another esteemed figure, Rev. Fr. Alfred Basana, had successfully completed his studies in Clinical Psychology in Rome. As the year drew to a close, he is set to return to the diocese in December 2023, equipped with new insights that would undoubtedly benefit the community.
“Path to Peace: Rev. Fr. Abraham Abayo to Join Juba University’s Peace Studies Program”
And the spirit of learning continued. Rev. Fr. Abraham Abayo, with the blessings of God, is gearing up to begin his Degree Program in Peace Studies at Juba University Peace Institute and Conflict, in September 2023. It is a step toward fostering harmony and understanding in a world often marred by conflict.
Fr. Raphael Diko and Philosophy Scholars Take the Next Step
On the same breath, Rev. Fr. Raphael Diko is on the cusp of a new academic journey. September marked the beginning of his Master’s Degree in Education at Makerere University in Uganda, a path that promised to enhance his ability to guide and educate the younger generation.
“Enlightenment Beckons: Tombura-Yambio’s Philosophers-to-Be Embark on Roman Exam”
The pinnacle of this educational fervor has been reached, the Philosophy students from the St. John Paul II Institute have completed their four-year curriculum. Their dedication has brought them to the cusp of an important milestone – the BA examination from Urbaniana University in Rome, scheduled for the end of September 2023, in Yambio.
The story of CDTY is one of unity, growth, and dedication. As December approached, the 100-year celebration of Faith in Rii-Yubu is not just an event; it is a testament to the unwavering spirit of a community bound by faith and the shared pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.
2023
“Paying School Fees in Kind”: An Alternative Payment Method Adopted by Anisa Junior School
A parent in Yambio County has resorted to paying school fees for his primary school children inform of foodstuffs.
“Paying school fees in Kind,” typically refers to a form of payment made with goods or services instead of traditional currency. This practice is not very common and usually occurs in specific situations or under certain circumstances.
Mr. Dominic Peter Irisongba, a parent of three children studying at St. Gabriel Anisa Junior School while handing over the stuff in the morning Monday 17th, 2023 said, he brought items because he doesn’t have cash at hand to pay his children to school with the foodstuff in form of school fees.
“I have three children studying at St. Gabriel Anisa Junior Nursery and primary school, I decided that since I don’t have money to pay, I asked the school administration if I could bring food items instead of money to enable my children to stay in school and learn so that they may have a better future”, Mr. Irisongba stated.
The head Teacher of St. Gabriel Anisa Junior School, Mr. Elias Ginana Mangbondo said that the management of the school is very happy with the move taken by the parent to help learners.
“In our school, we decided and agreed together with our parents, we have seen the situation of our parents who are sending their children to our school, and we decided to give ample time and opportunity to each and everyone that, if you don’t have cash, please whatever you have in kind bring it, we shall take it and register your child”, Mr. Ginana said.
Regina Tamaregu Dominic a daughter to Mr. Dominic applauded her father for his care towards her education.
“Thank you I am Regina Temeregu, I am very happy because my father has come to pay our school fees, he brought Cassava flour and palm oil, I am very happy and my thanks go to my father and my mother, I also thanked my teachers, I am in class two. I came to give thanks here because I want to study to become a reverence Sister in the future”, Regina narrated.
Mr. Dominic thanked the administration of St. Gabriel Anisa Junior School for accepting the food items.
St. Gabriel Anisa Junior School is under the Catholic Diocese of Tambura Yambio located in the Ikpiro Yambio suburb.
“Paying in kind” means providing something of value that can be used or consumed by the recipient. Instead of paying with money, individuals may offer goods or services that the school or educational institution can utilize. This could involve various arrangements, depending on the agreement between the parties involved.
Here are a few examples to illustrate how paying school fees in kind might work:
- Bartering: Instead of monetary payment, parents or guardians might negotiate with the school to exchange goods or services. For instance, a parent who owns a bookstore might provide a certain number of books to the school library in exchange for their child’s tuition.
- Skills or expertise: In some cases, parents or community members may offer their professional skills or expertise to the school in lieu of monetary payment. For example, a parent who is a qualified electrician might provide electrical maintenance or repair services to the school.
- Goods or supplies: Parents might contribute specific goods or supplies that the school needs. This could include textbooks, stationery, sports equipment, or any other items that the school requires for its operations. The value of these goods is considered as payment for the fees.
- Fundraising and volunteering: Schools may organize fundraising events or programs where parents, students, and community members can participate. By contributing their time, effort, or resources to these initiatives, individuals can help generate funds for the school, which can then be used to cover their children’s school fees.
It’s important to note that paying school fees in kind is not a universally accepted practice and largely depends on the policies and discretion of the educational institution. It’s advisable to contact the school administration or relevant authorities to inquire about their specific payment options and guidelines if you are considering such arrangements.
2023
Compassion in Action; CODEP Equip Communities in Tombura With Non-Food Necessities
By Baraka John
The Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP) on Wednesday, 19th 2023, sent its team of humanitarian to Tambura County with a mission to distribute nonfood items to the returning population who were displaced due to the two-year conflict in Tambura County.
Mr. Ngbanisa David Ariyo the manager of humanitarian who doubles as the deputy director for CODEP, told Rurugene online newsletter, that the humanitarian team will first conduct registration of the most vulnerable returning IDPs who completely have no shelter and basic nonfood items.
Mr. Ariyo added that the exercise is targeting close to 200 individuals to benefit from the items.
He further said, “These items are supported by Caritas. There CODEP affirmed its commitment to helping rebuild life in the conflict-affected area of Tambura through its humanitarian intervention which remains a cornerstone for the organization” and the nonfood items including the tents, will help the returning population settle temporarily as they look to rebuild their destroyed building.
The items include mats, tents, and mosquito nets among others.
In April this year, CODEP launched a mission in Tambura County with the aim to build peace, reconcile and restore peaceful coexistence in the communities involved in the conflict.