Author|Moses Okwera| Torit
The St. Martin de Porres Brothers in the Catholic Diocese of Torit held a farewell celebration on Wednesday in honor of Rev. Bro. Simplicio Iwari, marking the end of his tenure as head teacher at St. Theresa Nursery and Primary School.
Rev. Bro. Simplicio, who was appointed as the new Superior General for the St. Martin de Porres Brothers, will now be based in Juba. His journey in the diocese began with the founding of St. Theresa Nursery and Primary School in Torit, where he served as the head teacher.
He also previously served as the head teacher at St. Matthew Primary School in Ikotos from 2007 to 2010. In 2016, Bro. Simplicio was sent by the congregation to Uganda to attend a formation house.
Upon his return in 2023, he resumed his role as the head teacher of St. Theresa until his recent appointment in February 2025 as Superior General.
During the farewell, Rev. Bro. Simplicio expressed gratitude and urged the congregation to pray for him as he embarks on this new journey, seeking wisdom and courage to lead the brothers effectively.
“This farewell today marks the end of my work in Torit. I have spent many years in the diocese, starting with a kindergarten at Holy Rosary in Juba.
My dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to pray for me. The task ahead of me is immense. Leading the brothers is a significant challenge, but with your prayers, I trust I will succeed.”
Meanwhile, His Lordship Bishop Emmanuel Bernardino urged Bro. Simplicio to focus on producing more brothers to help fulfill the evangelization mission in the diocese.
“We have Brothers in Narus and Kuron, but we still need more to continue the work. We urge you to send us more brothers.
We must focus on the mission of evangelization because, historically, the Diocese of Torit has been seen as purely Catholic. But after my visits, I realize that more needs to be done for the faith to grow.”
The event also welcomed new members, including a sister, marking a hopeful new chapter for the congregation.