Sudan Catholic Bishop Conference or SCBC Deputy President who is the Bishop of Yei on Tuesday while presiding over the requiem mass of Emeritus Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite said the late Bishop’s death was planned by the Lord because while he was dying his successor was ordaining five priests and one deacon.
Bishop Erkulano Lodu Tombe asked the faithful of Tombura-Yambio to continue balancing joy and sorrow, Anisa Radio reported.
He described the late Bishop Gasi as a committed shepherd who never gave up preaching the message of salvation during his 33 years as a bishop out of the 50 years of priestly ministry.
Bishop Lodu Tombe asked the congregation to honour and respect the late Bishop Gasi because he left Tombura-Yambio Diocese vibrant with strong structures and a successor.
He advised the faithful to emulate Bishop Gasi’s long life in faith, hard and good work, always courageous and building others, concerned for peace and unity.
Bishop Tombe assured Tombura-Yambio bishop, clergy, religious and faithful that the churches in South Sudan, Sudan and the entire world were sharing the same moments of sorrow and joy since the death of the bishop was announced.
Juba Archdiocese Auxiliary Bishop Santo Loku Pio, Malakal and Torit Apostolic Administrators Monsignors Roko Taban Musa, Thomas Oliha, Rumbek Diocesan Coordinator Fr John Mathinag and many priests from other dioceses in South Sudan and Sudan attended the burial of the Emeritus Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite aged 94 in Yambio.
National government officials headed by Presidential Advisor on Religious Affairs Mark Lote’de Lochapi Central and Western Equatoria government officials were there during ceremony.