30 Seminarians from CDTY Among the Graduands at CIP in Nairobi, Kenya, Urged to Follow Conscience as a Moral Guide
30 Seminarians from CDTY Among the Graduands at CIP in Nairobi, Kenya, Urged to Follow Conscience as a Moral Guide
By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
Graduands of the Consolata Institute of Philosophy (CIP) in Nairobi, Kenya have been advised to let their conscience be their guide, for it is the compass that steers them towards righteousness.
Speaking at the 50th graduation ceremony on Friday, May 10th, where 30 out of 77 graduands were from the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY), Dr. Fred Ngatia Senior Counsel emphasized the transformative power of Philosophy in shaping not only minds but also hearts and souls, stressing that Philosophy is a beacon illuminating the path towards understanding the deeper facets of our existence.
Reflecting on his journey as a lawyer while addressing the graduates, Dr. Ngatia shared the limitations of practical science noting that while doctors and lawyers attend to the physical and legal aspects of their being, it is the Philosophy that delves into the realm of the soul, Philosophy enables them to discern the echoes of conscience, where God’s voice resonate within them.
“All my life I have been a lawyer I’ll tell you the deficiencies in practical sciences, a doctor, a lawyer, a commercial will only treat the human body but philosophy can reach another faculty of that human being called the soul, a doctor cannot treat the soul and a lawyer cannot treat the soul. A philosopher can see a soul that is suppressed by other effects, a soul that has deviated from righteousness into evil because in that soul as Cardinal Newman says the soul resizes our conscience and the conscience is where God speaks to us, please remember that the value of that little word called conscience”, Dr. Ngatia narrated.
In his speech, he underscored that conscience is the moral compass guiding our actions, invoking the timeless tale of St. Thomas More, in the story from the book “A Man for All Season”, whose steadfast adherence to conscience stood as a testament to the indomitable spirit of conviction.
“Thomas Moore was beheaded and he went to be with the Lord because he rather not betray his conscience. I say this because in your life there will be many instances even friends who tell you please let’s do what is all right because most of us want to take some alcohol let your conscience be your guide because if you don’t allow your conscience to be your guide the ways of the world are many and the evils of the world are very many”.
Conversely, Dr. Ngatia reminded over 70 philosophers, to heed the cautionary tale of Kevin Carter, the renowned photojournalist, whose pursuit of acclaim eclipsed the cries of a starving child stressing to them to not let greed cloud their moral judgment, for conscience transcends worldly fame and fortune.
He added that Philosophy is not merely an academic endeavor but a journey towards enlightenment and moral rectitude urging the audience to embrace the teaching of the Gospel, tribal traditions, and faith heritage, guiding humanity towards a brighter tomorrow.
“Ladies and gentlemen, mine is to wish you a rewarding career in philosophy, you can do no better than follow the other settings and our saints have taught us, that if you move within the four aspects of the Gospels, the tribal teachings, and our churches tradition you will be a very good shepherd, particularly for the ones who will go into the priesthood, you be a good shepherd for your flock”.
In a sideline interview, Seminarian Andrew Kubako the student leader of the 30 Seminarians from CDTY expressed gratitude towards Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala for his support and motivation towards their vocation in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) in South Sudan. He also appreciated the dedication of their priests and formators who have guided and supported them throughout their journey.
“My appreciation goes to bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, the bishop of CDTY, who thought it wisely that we should come all, for the love he has shown us and also for the motivation towards a vocation in our Diocese and South Sudan, I appreciate him very much for this noble work he is doing for the diocese”.
He continued, “I also thank our priest and formators who have helped up to this moment, my appreciation goes to them all, especially Fr. Darius who devoted his time to travel with us up to Kenya, though it was not easy, and all those who have formed us, supported us, prayed for us during this journey”.
Kubako acknowledged the perseverance of his fellow seminarians, especially those marking their sixth year in philosophy, emphasizing their commitment to their calling despite challenges.
“I also would like to appreciate my colleagues, and seminarians for their perseverance and persistence, it was not all easy, our group comprised of two groups, those who finished first today are marking their six years in doing philosophy but still, they stick to their call that God had for them, they never backslid and today all of us are with them here, we are jubilating, we are very happy, it is because of the persistence that we have undergone together with them, so my mighty appreciation goes to them and also for that devotion of their life, it has not all been easy”.
Those from CDTY were; Sem: Anisa Anthony
Sem: Mitaibere Paul
Sem: Felix Peter Riko
Sem: Kumbabeyo Benedict
Sem: Valerio Gaza Arkangelo
Sem: Ngarangba Joseph Kumboyo
Sem: David Gunde Micheal
Sem: Natale Sinba Peter Matondo
Sem: Robert Miagia Euzanio
Sem: Siwabu Emmanuel Michael
Sem: Angelo Kumbonyaki Michael Gaitano
Sem: Martine Kango Samuel Dunga
Sem: Boritirani David A Billy
Sem: Alex Bingo John
Sem: Paida Nicholas Felix
Sem: Elario Wenesayo David Angbarira
Sem: Fabiano Bira Frangi
Sem: Mususu Andrew Kubako
Sem: Jackinho Khargo
Sem: Elias Obama Hassen
Sem: Mbuma Ngbamborigbe Abraham Justine
Sem: John Khamis Balas
Sem: Bingo Michael Juma
Sem: Wagia John Dominic
Sem: Masuruma Paul
Sem: Bulen Mashine
Sem: Basa John Baptist
Sem: Mosoro Thomas
Sem: Mubie Benty
Sem: Jonathan Paite Elias Ndere .
Sem: Andrew Kubako
