St. Augustine Complex Lauded for Educating “countless South Sudanese” Contributing to Nation Building

Tombura-Yambio, 29 August, 2025 / 3:54 PM

Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) in South Sudan has lauded St. Augustine Complex in his Episcopal See for facilitating the formal education of “countless” youths in the world’s newest country, who he says are involved in nation building.

In his congratulatory message on the occasion of the Feast day of St. Augustine of Hippo, the patron saint of the group of learning institutions, Bishop Hiiboro recognized St. Augustine Complex as an embodiment of wisdom, faith, and transformation.

“With great joy and gratitude, I extend my prayerful and heartfelt congratulations to you all on the continued growth and flourishing of St. Augustine Complex – Ataari Holy Ground, a place that truly embodies wisdom, faith, and transformation,” he said.

St. Augustine Complex has “educated countless South Sudanese youth who today contribute to building our nation,” Bishop Hiiboro said about the complex that comprises St. Augustine Parish, St. Augustine Kindergarten and Primary School, Bishop Abangite College of Science and Technology (Secondary School), Sustainable Agriculture for Rural Development Training Center, and Solidarity Teachers Training College.

Others include Creative Multipurpose Sports Ground, Yambio Institute of Management and Polytechnic, and St. Jude Spiritual Hub and Center.

In his message, Bishop Hiiboro said that the complex today stands as a living legacy of resilience and faith, and added, “We are privileged that many of our sons have joined the International Missionary Congregation of St. Augustine, becoming ambassadors of our Diocese around the world.”

He recognized with appreciation St. Augustine of Hippo and especially his inspiring the founding of the Augustinians of the Assumption (AA) that has produced the Holy Father.

“We rejoice even more, as the Lord has blessed His Church with a Pope from this same Congregation: Pope Leo XIV, chosen in this Jubilee Year of 2025. What a grace and encouragement for us all!” Bishop Hiiboro said.

He honored the witness of leaders in the country who he said even under the heavy pressure of Islamic fundamentalism in Khartoum, founded a high school dedicated to St. Augustine.

“Dear sons and daughters of this complex, as you celebrate, admire deeply the spirituality of your patron: his thirst for truth, his resilience in faith, his courage in seeking wisdom, and his love for Christ” the Local Ordinary of CDTY said.

He continued, “Let these virtues guide you as you hold together, build up one another, and desire true transformation for yourselves, your community, and our nation.”

“I named this complex under the patronage of St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the greatest teachers and pastors of the Church, whose life reminds us that ‘our hearts are restless until they rest in God,’” he said.

St. Augustine’s conversion, perseverance, and search for truth, Bishop Hiiboro said, “remain a guiding light for institutions around the world that have shaped both individuals and entire communities.”

The South Sudanese Bishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry in June 2008 thanked his predecessor, the late Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite who he said inspired the vision for the school after receiving land from the community for the noble purpose of education.

“Naming it St. Augustine Complex is not only an act of honor but also a commitment to build wisdom at the heart of our Diocese,” he said.

He called upon stakeholders of St. Augustine Complex to “pray for peace, work for peace, and live as witnesses of peace.”

“Congratulations once more to you all, students, staff, families, and parishioners. With St. Augustine interceding for you, may you remain steadfast in the service of truth and wisdom,” Bishop Hiiboro said.

He continued, “With great joy and gratitude, I extend my prayerful and heartfelt congratulations to you all on the continued growth and flourishing of St. Augustine Complex – Ataari Holy Ground, a place that truly embodies wisdom, faith, and transformation.”