By Baraka John
The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has officially formed and commissioned its Catholic Men’s Association (CMA), with 153 men commissioned to serve the Church, families and communities.
The commissioning took place on Sunday at St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Parish in Yambio as Catholic faithful gathered to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the death of Titarani Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite, the first bishop of the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio.
Presiding over the celebration, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala said the formation of the association is aimed at giving greater attention to the spiritual and social well-being of men, whom he said are often overlooked by community and religious organizations.
He called for greater support for men within families and communities, urging women to also play a role in caring for and supporting men.
“As we commission you today, I feel so happy. Because the melody of our diocese will be settled, we should care for men, and you men, make companions of yourselves, men are bleeding inside; they go through a lot. We men you should take care of your men, because if you don’t do, they die very early.” Bishop Hiiboro said
The Catholic Men’s Association is a lay organization established to unite Catholic men in evangelizing the Gospel, deepening their spiritual lives and promoting Christian leadership in families and communities.
The association is tasked with encouraging men to become role models of Christian values, strengthen family life and contribute to service and evangelization within the Diocese.
The commissioning formed part of activities marking the 12th anniversary of Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite, who died in 2014.
Bishop Gasi, born in 1928, became a Catholic priest in 1957 and was appointed Bishop of Tombura in December 1974. He was consecrated a bishop on April 6, 1975, and served the Diocese of Tombura for more than three decades before retiring in 2008.
He is remembered as the first native South Sudanese Catholic bishop and for his contribution to the growth of the Catholic Church in the region.
During Sudan’s long civil wars, Bishop Gasi was also known for advocating peace, reconciliation and dialogue, including engaging political and community leaders on issues affecting the people.
The 12th anniversary celebrations have brought together Catholic faithful from across the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio for prayer, reflection and activities aimed at remembering Bishop Gasi’s legacy.