“Perseverance is One of the Secrets of Success”, Bishop Hiiboro’s Message to Students of CUSS Yambio Campus
“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”.
