Bishop Hiiboro launches construction of cathedral in Yambio
The long-anticipated project comes decades after the creation of the Catholic Diocese in the early 1990s
By Emmanuel Mandella
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro on Monday officially launched the construction of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yambio.
The long-anticipated project comes decades after the creation of the Catholic Diocese in the early 1990s.
Bishop Hiiboro acknowledged the long wait and the concerns raised by parishioners regarding the project’s delay.
He attributed the setbacks to South Sudan’s prolonged conflict and economic challenges that had made working on such a massive project difficult.
“Even though the country’s situation is not okay, and people are not getting the resources, the people have embarked on contributing locally and mobilizing themselves for this construction,” Bishop Hiiboro said.
“Moments of conflict make people strong sometimes. In moments of difficulties, people think of what to do with their effort that is why they are now trying to do this work.”
The cleric called on the faithful to continue supporting the church, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the project.
“Building a house for the Lord is an act of faith and devotion. How blessed it will be for you to say, ‘I placed a stone, a brick, or even a grain of sand in this house of God.”
This cathedral will be a place where generations will come to worship, seek hope, and feel the presence of God,” he added.
The need for a Cathedral has been deeply felt over the years, since the establishment of the Diocese in the 1990s there has been no large building to host the growing community of worshippers.
Sunday services and special events are often conducted outdoors or in makeshift spaces.
“This cathedral is long overdue. We have waited for this moment for so long. It is inspiring to see our efforts and prayers finally bearing fruit,” said Mr. Tambua Jackson, a senior parishioner.
The project is expected to take six to eight months. Site engineer Mr. Henry Males commended the community’s determination and urged them to remain committed.
“Every contribution is vital to ensuring the project’s success, whether in cash, kind, or labor, each effort will play a significant role in bringing this project to completion,” Males said.
Monica Anibati, a longtime member of the Diocese, said, “This is a dream come true. The Cathedral will be a testament to our faith and unity as a community.”
For her part, Mary Grace, a young parishioner, expressed her excitement over the project.
“This project shows that nothing is impossible when we work together. It’s a chance for us, especially the youth, to contribute to something historic.”
“This cathedral is long overdue. We have waited for this moment for so long. It is inspiring to see our efforts and prayers finally bearing fruit,” said Mr. Tambua Jackson, a senior parishioner.