“I am not ordaining you for an ideal country”: South Sudanese Catholic Bishop at Priestly, Diaconate Ordination

Bishop Hiiboro reflected on the story of the Magi and reminded the Priests, and Deacons-elect that ordination does not replace Christ but points others toward Him.

Reflecting on the star that guided the three wise men from the East to see the infant Jesus, Bishop Hiiboro urged the newly ordained Deacons and Priests to allow their lives to guide people to Jesus through faithfulness and witness.

“As the Magi followed the star and found Christ, you are now sent to be stars, guiding others to Jesus,” said Bishop Hiiboro.

Calling for unity among members of the Clergy as one of the most powerful forms of preaching, the South Sudanese Bishop encouraged fraternity, shared prayer, and forgiveness, reminding the Clergy that love among Priests is a visible sign of discipleship.

The Bishop cautioned against constant complaint and division among members of the Clergy, warning that such attitudes weaken vocation and harm communities.

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Instead, he encouraged Priests to embrace the Cross of Christ, noting that suffering when embraced with humility sanctifies, but destroys one who rejects it.

Discouraging against celebrity mentality among Priests, Bishop Hiiboro said that the Church is more concerned with “holy shepherds rooted in the daily realities of the people.” Holiness, the Bishop explained, is not an escape from life but faithfulness within it.

He urged Priests never to abandon prayer, warning that a Priest who stops praying gradually loses direction.

The South Sudanese Church leader went on to describe the three evangelical vows, namely, Celibacy, obedience, and simplicity/poverty, as paths to inner freedom, not as limitations, whose primary goal is to help Priests overcome ego, attachment, and isolation.

Bishop Hiiboro, referencing the words of Pope Francis, urged Priests to remain close to the communities they serve, portraying them as agents of peace, defenders of human dignity, promoters of education, and advocates for food security and self-reliance.

He emphasized that such involvement is not political activism, but a genuine expression of living the Gospel.

The Bishop also cited examples of saints who made a lasting impact on society through faith and service, including St. Benedict of Nursia, St. Daniel Comboni, St. Josephine Bakhita, and St. John Bosco, noting that they demonstrated courage even in challenging and imperfect circumstances.

Bishop Hiiboro urged those he was ordaining to embrace their priestly identity with confidence, reminding them that their very presence, conduct, and appearance already preach before words are spoken.

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