“We are a family of God’s people, in participatory service to the Church.” This is the theme of the first Diocesan Synod organized by the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio in South Sudan. The first of its kind, in the history of South Sudan, the Diocesan Synod started sitting on 27 November. The Synod held at the Palica Pastoral Centre, in the State of Gbudue, officially ends on 7 December. Preparations for the Synod started three years ago.
Officially presiding at the opening ceremony of the Synod, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, described the Diocese as a Church on pilgrimage. “As a pilgrim Church, we are not a static reality … but are on a continuous journey through history, towards that ultimate and marvelous end which is the Kingdom of Heaven following Jesus’ invitation to ‘go … and make disciples of all nations.’ The Church’s missionary activity flows from this commissioning by Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Kassala.
The Bishop, together with delegates, expressed satisfaction with the proceedings of the Synod.
“Since the beginning of the Synod process, the dynamic has been that of seeking, listening and discerning: seeking input from everyone, listening to everyone and discerning with all those who are part of our Church. This practice positively impacted the faithful, religious and priests,” the Bishop said. Delegates were drawn from the diocese’s 35 parishes and its six deaneries. Bishop Kussala spoke of the need for the diocese to continue listening to the Good News of God’s mercy, which abounds even in the midst of so much suffering surrounding the people of South Sudan.
Bishop Kussala stressed that the people of South Sudan have a renewed sense of hope anchored on two pillars: The first is the peace agreement signed by South Sudan’s warring parties while the second is, the announcement of Pope Francis’ intention to visit South Sudan in 2020. Vatican News Department
