Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time – A Joyful Visitation
Today, the Catholic Church commemorates the Optional Memorial of the First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church. While remembering their witness and faith, we in our community also experienced a joyful and grace-filled moment with the visitation of Bishop Alex, the Bishop of Yei Diocese.
At 3:00 PM, Bishop Alex arrived at our community house. His first stop was our chapel, where he spent time in prayer, offering intentions for our missions and the well-being of our community. After the prayer, our mission superior guided him through the chapel and shared the meaning and spiritual significance of the various pictures and icons hanging on its walls.
Following this, we enjoyed a tea break together, where the bishop was warmly introduced to all our confreres. We then gathered in front of the grotto of Our Lady of Kibeho to take some memorable photos with him, capturing this special occasion.
We continued the visitation by guiding Bishop Alex to the Joseph House. There, he shared with us about the pastoral and missionary activities in the Diocese of Yei. He also took time to greet the SSpS sisters and shared touching stories from his recent visit to Rome, including his meeting with our General Superior.
Afterward, our mission superior presented a summary of our missionary work, especially in the refugee settlements, and discussed the exciting plans to reopen parishes and religious communities in the Diocese of Yei. Bishop Alex responded with joy and enthusiasm, expressing his heartfelt welcome and support for our return and renewed missionary presence in the diocese.
Before his departure, Bishop Alex blessed our community and gratefully received a few gifts from us as a token of appreciation. It was truly a joyful and grace-filled day for our entire community.
We thank God for this special visitation and continue to pray for Bishop Alex, for the Diocese of Yei, and for lasting peace in South Sudan.
