By Ginaba Lino
The Catholic Bishop of Tombura-Yambio Diocese, Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, has urged more than one hundred seminarians installed into the ministries of Lector and Acolyte to become agents of peace, integrity and hope in communities affected by conflict, corruption and suffering.
Speaking during the installation ceremony at St. Paul’s Major Seminary in Juba, Bishop Hiiboro described the occasion as an important milestone in the seminarians’ journey to the priesthood, calling them to become part of the solution to the challenges facing South Sudan and Sudan.
The bishop reminded the seminarians that God continues to call and send them to serve His people with faith and commitment.
He also encouraged them to embrace humility, unity and selfless service, warning that pride and division weaken the mission of the Church.
Bishop Hiiboro compared priestly formation to the making of a diamond, saying that challenges, sacrifices and discipline strengthen and purify a priestly vocation rather than destroy it.
Addressing those installed as lectors, he reminded them of their responsibility to proclaim and live the Word of God faithfully. He also encouraged the newly installed acolytes to deepen their devotion to the Eucharist and begin living their vocation through daily acts of service.
The installation of lectors and acolytes marks an important stage in priestly formation as seminarians prepare for ordination and lifelong service in the Catholic Church.