The Bishop of Yei said the strength that saw his through 25 years of ministry during some very hard times comes from three P: pope, people and prayer.
Bishop Erkolano Lodu Tombe received the episcopal ordination in Khartoum on November 28, 1986 through Cardinal Maurice Michael Otunga, who was the archbishop of Nairobi, Kenya.In a long interview, Bishop Lodu recalled that he exercised his ministry through difficult times among grave difficulties and during ten years he had to live outside Yei due to the war and assist displaced communities in Juba and in refugee camps in DR Congo and Uganda.
He said the support of the pope, of people and of prayer gave him the strength necessary to overcome the difficulties and carry out his ministry faithfully.
Bishop Lodu added that support is the best present people can offer him for his silver jubilee celebration.
He said the independence of South Sudan was a gift from God who supported the people in their struggle. And now every citizen has the responsibility to contribute to the development and growth of the country in solidarity.
Bishop Lodu added that South Sudan suffers from two ills: uncertainty and instability of structures.
He asked the authorities to fight tribalism and corruption through good governance and advised citizens to be patient and fair with one another.
Bishop Lodu explained that the key word for the future of his diocese is training of priests, laity and youth.
He added that since Yei is short of priests he is trying to get some missionaries to work in the diocese.