By Ginaba Lino
The Archbishop of Juba and Metropolitan Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla has hailed Bishop Santo Luko Pio and Rev. Dr. Fr. Martin Ochaya Lino for their unwavering commitment to priestly service, describing their 25 years of dedication as a testament to faith, humility, and endurance in God’s calling.
Speaking during the Silver Jubilee celebration held at Sant Kizto Parish in Juba, Cardinal Ameyu commended the two clergymen for their perseverance through challenges and their steadfast devotion to their spiritual mission.
“Without the Lord, it is not possible to live 25 years of priesthood and 15 years of bishopric,” the Cardinal said. “They have lived through storms and light, yet they remained among us faithful servants of God.”
Cardinal Ameyu’s homily blended gratitude and reflection, urging the faithful to recognize the priesthood as a divine vocation rather than a human achievement. Drawing inspiration from the Scripture, he likened the commitment of Bishop Santo and Fr. Martin to the priesthood of Melchizedek, a life consecrated to God alone.
“They have accepted to live as priests of the Lord, dedicating their life for God, not for this world,” he said. “Their example reminds us that priesthood is not a privilege of birth or tribe but a calling to serve Christ’s flock.”
The event drew clergy, government officials, and hundreds of parishioners who gathered to honor the two men of faith. Amid songs, prayers, and emotional tributes, Cardinal Ameyu reminded the congregation that the joy of such a celebration should reflect gratitude rather than grief.
“We are not here for a funeral,” he said with a light tone that drew laughter. “We are here to celebrate the life and service of our priests, a joyous day indeed.”
The prelate used the occasion to call for unity within the Church, warning against divisions that often arise from loyalty to individuals rather than to Christ.
“The Church does not belong to any priest or bishop,” he emphasized. “We belong to Christ. When we begin to say, ‘I belong to this priest or that bishop,’ that is the beginning of disunity. What unites us is Christ alone.”
He further challenged the congregation to emulate the resilience and humility of those in priestly service, highlighting that true faith is lived through weakness, as St. Paul taught.
“God did not choose the wise or the powerful,” Cardinal Ameyu noted. “He chose the weak to shame the strong and, in that weakness, His grace is revealed.”
Reflecting on the significance of the Jubilee, the Cardinal reminded the faithful that longevity in ministry is not measured by comfort but by faithfulness to one’s calling.
“Priesthood is not an easy life,” he said. “It is filled with trials, but those who persevere do so because they live not for themselves, but for the life to come.”
Cardinal Ameyu concluded his address by thanking God for sustaining the clergy and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Juba through unity and service.
“We have lived not by our own strength but by the grace of Christ,” he affirmed. “When we rally together under our priests and bishops, we are strong. But when we divide ourselves, we weaken the Church.”
As the congregation erupted in applause, the Silver Jubilee celebration stood not only as a recognition of years served but as a renewed call to faith, humility, and unity among the people of God.