By Obiala Angel De-son – Torit
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Torit, Emmanuel Barnadino Lowi Napeta, has appealed to Christians of Christ the King Parish in Magwi County to contribute toward the construction of a permanent church building.
Speaking during the laying of the foundation stone at the parish, Bishop Napeta acknowledged that financial donations from abroad, particularly from Rome and other developed countries, have significantly declined.
“Many of the generous supporters have grown old and can no longer contribute as they used to,” the Bishop stated.
Father Justine Ebujaiye, parish priest of Christ the King Parish, praised parishioners for their financial efforts, which have so far enabled the purchase of 200 bags of cement. He also expressed gratitude to fellow Catholic missionary priests in the Eastern Deanery for their help in mobilizing support for the construction process.
Fr. Ebujaiye further acknowledged in-kind contributions from local Christian communities in Magwi town, who provided 20 truckloads of stones for the foundation of the church building.
Meanwhile, Ongom Robert Mathew, First Vice Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council, spoke about the challenges parishioners face praying under difficult weather conditions due to the lack of a permanent structure.
A Member of Parliament representing Magwi County (Constituency No. 27), Hon. Otim Peter Carlo, expressed his full support and willingness to contribute to the construction of the church.
However, Magwi County Local Government Administration has pledged to protect the land belonging to Christ the King Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Torit.
Magwi County Commissioner Hon. Benjamin Pole-Pole Olum said the administration is committed to safeguarding church property and cooperating with parishioners.
“We will work closely with the church administration and the community to ensure the land is preserved for the church’s development,” he said.
Hon. Pole Pole also stated that the government is willing to discuss with community members the allocation of land for people who may need to be relocated to make way for the church’s construction.
He emphasized that the project deserves financial backing from both local authorities and development partners.
The commissioner also called on humanitarian agencies, both local and international NGOs, to support the construction of the new parish church.
Hon. Pole Pole expressed appreciation to the Diocese of Torit for its continued support of the people of Eastern Equatoria, especially during times of hardship.
This marks the first attempt to build a permanent church for Christ the King Parish since its establishment in 1956, when Torit was still under the Archdiocese of Juba. In 2005, the parish was designated a quasi-parish under Holy Family Palotaka Parish and was officially recognized as a parish in 2008 during the leadership of the late Bishop Johnson Akio Mutek.