“Embrace the Joy of the Gospel”, Bishop Hiiboro’s Call to CDTY Seminarians as they Return to the Seminary
“Embrace the Joy of the Gospel”, Bishop Hiiboro’s Call to CDTY Seminarians as they Return to the Seminary
By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
As the CDTY seminarians return to the Seminary after a break for a new semester, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, in his letter entitled “Be Fruitful and Solid in Christ,” has encouraged the Seminarians to embrace the joy of the Gospel as articulated by Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium.
“Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, states, “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus” (EG 1). Let this joy be the driving force behind your studies and spiritual life, inspiring and sustaining you as you live out your vocation with passion and integrity”.
He continued, “As you move forward, I encourage you to embrace the teachings of our faith with zeal. Cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Christ, and let the Holy Spirit guide you. Remain steadfast in the sacred traditions and teachings of our church”.
Reflecting on the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, he emphasized to the seminarians that their formation is not merely an academic endeavor but a deeply spiritual and pastoral one, preparing them for a life dedicated to serving God and His people.
“The Second Vatican Council's document Optatam Totius teaches us that “A seminary is a place where the candidates are led to understand their call, to be formed in human, spiritual, and intellectual virtues, and to be trained in pastoral ministry” (OT 6). Your formation is not merely academic but deeply spiritual and pastoral, preparing you for a life dedicated to serving God and His people”.
He advised them to focus on three key areas during their studies: understanding the local culture and building meaningful relationships, deeply engaging with their academic work, and appreciating the cultural heritage of their study locations.
please, as you go, you must read three books very well. Please focus on them thus:
“Book One: People: Understand the local culture and language. Build meaningful friendships and learn about the people you encounter. Book Two: Academics: Dive deeply into your studies. Read extensively, engage in all extra courses, get to know your professors, and master your course material. Book three: Cultural Appreciation: Explore the beauty and heritage of your study area”.
in his letter dated 27th August 2024, bishop Hiiboro drawing from the teaching of St. Paul, reminded Seminarians that their strength comes from their union with Christ.
“Your dedication to your formation and growth in priestly and religious life is a profound testament to your commitment to Christ and His Church. Saint Paul reminds us in his letter to the Philippians, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). This Scripture assures us that our strength and perseverance come from our union with Christ, who empowers us in every aspect of our calling”.
The prelate also highlighted the unique opportunities available to the seminarians of CDTY and linked the experience of Seminarians to that of bees gathering nectar from different flowers and urged them to return to CDTY enriched by the knowledge and experiences they gain abroad.
“Your diocese, CDTY, has a unique opportunity for you, which I hope you will utilize to its fullest. Some of you are studying in Uganda, Kenya, Rome, Spain, and Juba, South Sudan. Just as bees gather nectar from various flowers to make honey, I urge you to gather knowledge and experiences from your diverse locations and return to CDTY enriched”.
The local ordinary of CDTY stressed the importance of everyday holiness, community life, and teamwork, calling upon the seminarians to be compassionate, patriotic, and dedicated to the values of decency, hard work, punctuality, diplomacy, and leadership.
“Remember to focus on everyday holiness, community life, teamwork, and taking positive initiatives. Be compassionate, and patriotic to your diocese and nation, and strive for decency, hard work, punctuality, diplomacy, and leadership”.
He further said, “As you continue your journey, keep in mind the motto of CDTY: "In one hand a Holy Bible and in the other a Hoe." May you keep both hands busy in service to God and the community”.
Bishop Hiiboro assured the seminarians of his prayers and expressed confidence that God, who has called them to this path, will equip them for the service of His people.
“Know that you are in my prayers. I am confident that God, who has called you to this path, will equip you for the service of His people”.
