Seminarians in South Sudanese Catholic Diocese Cautioned against “disorderly, scattered begging”, Urged to Work Hard

The report following his June 9 encounter with the Seminarians has Bishop Hiiboro describing Seminary life complex and that calls for understanding from stakeholders.

“There is nothing free in the Seminary,” he said, adding, “It is very expensive to become a Priest. Families must understand this, and you, too, must contribute. Even a small job, like selling pineapples or collecting firewood, matters.”

The Local Ordinary of CDTY since his Episcopal Consecration in June 2008 challenged the Seminarians to think creatively and entrepreneurially. He said, “Why can’t one of you start a small project, a health center, or a community solution that brings hope to others? Let your minds stretch beyond the ordinary.”

The Priesthood is a service to humanity and the wider Church, he emphasized, and explained, “Even if you do not end up wearing the collar, live a life that reflects God’s love.

“As a Priest or layperson, you are called to lead people back to God by example, by commitment, and by love,” said the Bishop, who serves as the President of the Integral Human Development Commission of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC).

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He also told the Seminarians that the path to the Priesthood is not just academic, ending at Ordination, but a lifelong journey that demands personal sacrifice, a strong sense of identity and responsibility.

“This is not a classroom of Geography or English. This is a practical lesson on life itself,” he said, and continued, “You are being prepared to serve, and that means bringing together everything you’ve learned to live your calling in the real world.”

The June 10 report also has Bishop Hiiboro cautioning the Seminarians against addiction to digitality. He said, “Stop wasting hours watching meaningless videos on YouTube while others dance and celebrate their success. Use your phones wisely to access knowledge, to grow.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.