By Ginaba Lino
The Catholic community in Juba joined in thanksgiving as Auxiliary Bishop Santo Loku Pio and Fr. Martin Ochaya Lino marked 25 years of devoted priestly service at a jubilant Silver Jubilee celebration at St. Kizto Parish.
Presiding over the Mass, His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla lauded the two clergymen for their deep commitment to faith, service, and unity in the Church and broader society.
“Without the Lord, it is not possible to live 25 years of priesthood or 15 years of bishopric,” Cardinal Ameyu said, reflecting on their enduring ministry.
The Auxiliary Bishop Santo Luko Pio, born in 1969 and ordained in 2001, has served the Church in various pastoral and administrative roles within the Archdiocese of Juba, including as Auxiliary Bishop of Juba since 2010. Over his years of ministry, he has been known for his pastoral leadership, community engagement, and advocacy for justice, and has navigated the Church through challenging times in South Sudan’s complex social and political landscape.
Fr. Martin Ochaya Lino has distinguished himself not only as the parish priest of St. Kizito in Juba, but also as a scholar, leader, and advocate for peace. He holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies, focusing on local approaches to conflict resolution in South Sudan, and has worked across parish pastoral care, youth ministry, and teaching. Before his doctoral studies, he served as Secretary General of the Archdiocese of Juba, overseeing Bakhita FM Radio, the central station of the Catholic Radio Network, roles in which he amplified Church teachings and promoted dialogue.
Fr. Martin has also been a voice for peace and reconciliation nationally, calling on political leaders and citizens alike to reject violence and work toward unity amid the country’s ongoing tensions.
The jubilee celebration drew clergy, religious, government officials, and hundreds of parishioners who expressed gratitude for the leadership and example set by the two men throughout their ministries. Joined by hymns, testimonies,s and prayers, the faithful reflected on 25 years of service marked by faith, sacrifice, scholarship, and a deep commitment to Christ’s mission.
In his homily, Cardinal Ameyu reminded the congregation that priestly ministry is a calling from Christ, sustained by grace
“Priesthood is not an easy life,” he said. “It is marked by challenges that require perseverance. Yet through their dedication, these priests have helped strengthen our faith and bind our community together.”
The jubilarians’ achievements in pastoral leadership, community advocacy, scholarly contribution, and peacebuilding were celebrated as hallmarks of lives dedicated not to themselves but to service in Christ’s name.
As the gathering concluded, parishioners shared a sense of renewed hope, recognizing not just a milestone but the fruits of 25 years spent building faith and unity in Juba and beyond.