He made the remarks during the reopening of the St. John Paul II Institute of Philosophy in Yambio

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY), His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro has called on seminarians to embrace their role as ambassadors of peace, emphasizing the importance of transformation, resilience, and commitment in their priestly vocation.

He made the remarks during the reopening of the St. John Paul II Institute of Philosophy in Yambio, marking a new chapter for the institution after three months of closure.

“I am happy to celebrate with you today on the feast of St. Paul’s conversion in the context of reopening this seminary. As future priests, your mission is vital. You are called to be peacemakers in a world divided by war, conflict, and mistrust. Let your behavior, words, and actions reflect the peace and unity that Christ preached,” said Bishop Hiiboro.

The cleric urged the seminarians to embrace change, linking their spiritual journey to the transformation of St. Paul, who remained committed to his mission despite adversity.

“Just as St. Paul finished the race and received his heavenly crown, you too must continue in your calling. Your conversion must inspire unity across tribes, communities, and nations,” he emphasized.

“You are not just called to serve in the church, you are called to lead by example. Remember, true success lies in knowing that you are a child of God, created in His image and strengthened by His grace,” Bishop Hiiboro stated.

The reopening of the institute has renewed hope for those pursuing priestly formation and philosophy education.

The bishop also invited all Christians and the entire community of the diocese to join the institute for diploma or degree programs in philosophy, underscoring the significance of theological education in fostering spiritual growth and intellectual development.

However, Rev. Fr. Natale Vairi, the Director of the St. John Paul II Philosophy Institute, highlighted the significance of the occasion, noting that 19 seminarians have already been enrolled.

“This is a significant milestone for our Diocese and the Church in South Sudan. We call on our seminarians to focus on solutions to the challenges they will face, preparing themselves for the immense responsibility ahead,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Vicar General of the Diocese, Fr. Thomas Bagbiowia appealed to the Christian community, parents, and the indigenous community to support the seminarians in their journey toward priesthood.

“The formation of priests is a collective responsibility. It requires prayers, encouragement, and material support from everyone in our community,” he said.

“Just as St. Paul finished the race and received his heavenly crown, you too must continue in your calling. Your conversion must inspire unity across tribes, communities, and nations,” Catholic Bishop, His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro