Bishop Hiiboro Launches Brick Making Activity in the Second Parish in Tombura-Yambio Diocese

Corpus Christi Parish, Gangura becomes the second Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio where the Local Ordinary Rt. Rev. Edwardo Hiiboro Kussala together with the parish priest and parishioners launched the brick making project, an initiative that is geared towards construction of parish Churches as well as the priests’ residential houses.

The activity which took place on 9^th December saw Fr. Sungerukuari Ezakiel, the Parish Priest of Corpus Christi-Gangura, Fr. John Gbemboyo the New Coordinator of Communications for Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Fr. Mathew Zaume a diocesan priest of Tombura-Yambio who is currently studying for doctorate degree at one of the University in Nairobi all carrying and laying bricks alongside the bishop.

 Following his declaration of the year 2020-2021 as the year of construction, reconstruction, rehabilitations and renovations of the Churches as well as the priests’ residential houses, Bishop Hiiboro is engaging in a campaign to encourage all the parishioners in all the parishes across the diocese to get involved in providing for the constructions of their churches and parish houses as well as schools.

 "The idea is that I would like to be part of what the Christian communities are doing; making the bricks, breaking the stones and obtaining all the materials that are available in the area is the duty of Christian communities and I am delighted to work alongside them,” Bishop Hiiboro explained adding that he encourages the Christian communities throughout the diocese to continue with fundraising so that they are able to obtain the resources needed for whatever construction they might be in need of.

 “The year is dedicated to build the Church. If a parish has a Church but has no parish house, then they can dedicate the whole year for the construction of the parish house. If the parish has a parish house as well as a church building that are in good condition, then they will embark on building a school or a health center," Bishop Hiiboro further explained adding that since the year has been dedicated to constructions, every parish in the diocese must be involved.

 The action by the bishop to personally get involved rather than just issuing directives has been applauded by many parishioners.

 “Seeing our shepherd rolling down his sleeves and getting involved into the muddy activity without a flinch is quite humbling and at the same time encouraging,” said Mama Angelina Rago, the leader of Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotional Group at Corpus Christi Parish.

 Mama Angelina further said that she and other women were delighted to work side by side with their counterparts the men in making bricks for the construction the church. She indicated that it was her joy to part of this activity as they have set examples for generations to come to imitate in future.

 In addition to launching the brick making activity, Bishop Edwardo also dedicated a shrine within the locality where residents will be able to go and pray. Bishop Hiiboro prayed and blessed site where a big cross was also erected.

 “Thanks to the local chief in the area who donated one part of the mountain for this purpose, we have managed to dedicate a special shrine to help the community to pray. This will be known as the mountain of life, the Resurrection Mountain. In Pazande it is called Gangara unga.

 Corpus Christi Parish has also been able to implement one of the projects initiated by Bishop, Hiiboro of planting trees and coffee and the projects are doing quite well.

 "I am quite impressed with the progress of the coffee plantation as I have witnessed that the projects are doing quite well. I sincerely appreciate the work that has been done by the parish. We are ending the year 2020, a year that has had many challenges posed by the Covid 19 pandemic but never the less, we are still thankful to God that he has been enabled us to achieve this much."

 By, Elias Ginana Mangbondo