Building Each other in the Spirit of Easter, “boro nga boro mbiko aboro” (Azande Proverb) “a person is a person through other people”
n ushering in the Holy Week, Bishop Eduardo, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio, in his statement themed “Behind the Cross is Life”, has wished all the faithful the “blessing of the Suffering and Risen Lord Jesus Christ”
Building Each other in the Spirit of Easter, “boro nga boro mbiko aboro” (Azande Proverb) “a person is a person through other people”
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
In ushering in the Holy Week, Bishop Eduardo, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio, in his statement themed “Behind the Cross is Life”, has wished all the faithful the “blessing of the Suffering and Risen Lord Jesus Christ” calling upon them to embrace each other in the spirit of Azande Proverb “boron ga boro mbiko aboro”, literally translated “a person is a person through other people” as this will assist them to listen to one another for the purpose of growth.
In his 2nd April 2023 statement, bishop Eduardo shared his candid experience of his journey as a bishop in serving humanity.
“Allow me to share with you my little and candid experience! The work I do as a Bishop is truly a gift that has allowed me to interact with many people. The core gift is being able to enter into their lives and see the value of being sensitive to their stories. The gift of interacting with these people sometimes has not been an easy journey but when ultimately found, there is so much joy in it. I mostly meet these people in the parishes, communities, social gatherings, meetings, events, roads, etc., when I do the work. This includes their parish priests, leaders, etc. All these people form and become part of South Sudan. Inside and outside the Church, in the community, there have been two journeys for me - the journey of hope and that of hopelessness. The two journeys I am going to talk about are about the broader sense of life. The life we face and live every day”, he narrated.
He further pointed out that, “relative peace, people producing their food, signs of clean sanitation for all - jobs (at least for a few people), and good education emerging gradually for all South Sudanese learners make up his journey of hope. He continued that he rejoices when he hears the stories of hope that leads to peace and prosperity.
Bishop Kussala added that violence should be avoided since it ends in distraction, progress slows down and the blame game begins and this will lead other people to pre-2011.
Reflecting on the life of Archbishop Oscar Romero, Mother Theresa of Calcutta, Nelson Mandela, and Bishop Gasi, he encouraged all South Sudanese to work for their nation which is going through many staff emotionally and mentally.
“I believe we have been blessed by previous generations - people like Archbishop Oscar Romero, who after witnessing numerous violations of human rights, challenged his government to make changes. Mother Theresa of Calcutta, who worked in the slums of Calcutta in India, aiding the city’s poorest and sickest people saw a need to support them. Nelson Mandela who served 27 years in prison with other comrades, fought against Apartheid laws. Bishop Gasi who believed in the works of peace and firm education for children gave his entire life to making things work. These are a few of many”.
“I believe we are invited to gaze upon the image of the crucified to soften our hearts toward God, and to know that God’s heart has always been softened toward us, even and most especially in our suffering. This softens us toward ourselves and all others who suffer”.
