By Obiala Angel De-son | Torit
The Catholic Diocese of Torit has confirmed that the Bishop Emmanuel Bernardino Lowis Cup Tournament will kick off on January 22, 2027, in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State.
Speaking during a radio talk show on Saturday, Fr. Bullus Raymond, the youth chaplain of the Catholic Diocese of Torit, announced that the tournament will feature six men’s football teams and six women’s volleyball teams that qualified through their respective deaneries.
Fr. Raymond said the finals are expected to run for approximately five to six days following the diocesan youth convention, with the participating teams divided into three groups: A, B and C.
“The finals for the Bishop Cup here in Torit will begin on January 22, 2027, for about five to six days. The finals will be played after the Diocesan Youth Convention. The teams will be divided into three groups, A, B and C. Therefore, any changes will be communicated in time.”
Fr. Raymond said the diocese would provide support where necessary but called on individual parishes to take primary responsibility for supporting their respective teams participating in the tournament.
He also appealed to well-wishers to contribute towards the successful organization of the Bishop Lowis Cup and the diocesan youth convention.
“During preparations for the tournament here in Torit, the parish will take a bigger percentage to care for its team. However, the finals and other parts of the tournament, such as the trophy, medals and other gifts, will be taken care of by the diocese. Any well-wisher will also have to contribute to assist in facilitating the tournament and youth convention.”
The youth chaplain emphasized the importance of sports, particularly football, in promoting peace, unity and cooperation among young people in the state, the diocese and South Sudan as a whole.
He urged young people to embrace the values of sportsmanship and solidarity, regardless of whether their teams win or lose.
“Football is a game of peace, and it unites people. If used properly, it will bring unity and peace to the community. It also builds the Church and the youth. I encourage young people not to be youth only on the field, but also to be youth in their hearts and minds, and to promote unity in the nation of South Sudan as one people.
“Both winners and losers are encouraged to support one another. The essence of this tournament is to bring unity and peace to the state and the Church.”
The Bishop Lowis Cup Tournament will take place alongside the Catholic Diocese of Torit’s youth convention, which will also feature a choir-singing competition involving parishes across the diocese.
The youth convention is scheduled to begin on January 27, 2027.
Fr. Raymond reaffirmed the diocese’s readiness to support preparations for the youth convention, highlighting the importance of the activities in strengthening youth participation, fellowship, and unity within the Catholic Church.
The Bishop Lowis Cup is expected to bring together young people from different parishes across the diocese through sports and other activities aimed at fostering peace, unity and stronger community relations.