The Catholic community in Yambio gathered on Saturday at St. Mary Mother of God Cathedral to mark the 11th anniversary of the passing and the 95th birthday of the late Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite, remembered as a father, mentor, and shepherd of truth.
The solemn day of prayer, described by church leaders as “a day of memory and a day of commissioning,” brought together clergy, faithful, and civic leaders to reflect on the enduring message of the man who guided the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio for decades.
The homily, delivered under the theme “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48), centered on honesty, integrity, and truth—values Bishop Gasi preached and lived until his passing.
“Honesty is holiness. Integrity is perfection. Truth is the language of God. This is what Bishop Gasi lived, preached, and left us as his greatest inheritance,” the homilist told the congregation.
Quoting the late bishop’s well-known sayings, the faithful were reminded of his powerful calls for truth in every aspect of life.
“There can be no peace without honesty. Lies are the seeds of war.”
“One hand the hoe, the other the Bible that is the Christian life.”
“You were not elected to eat, but to serve.”
These words, church leaders said, form not just memories but a roadmap for a nation still grappling with violence, corruption, and division.
The commemoration drew a link between Bishop Gasi’s teachings and the challenges facing South Sudan. From corruption to tribalism, speakers noted that the country’s deepest wounds stem from a lack of honesty and integrity.
“We are wounded, but not broken; scattered, but still one body; fragile, but never defeated,” said one church leader, pointing to communities unable to attend due to insecurity.
The celebration also marked the official launch of the Catholic Men Association in the diocese. The group was commissioned to be protectors of families and defenders of truth.
“Society collapses when men collapse. Families break when fathers fail. But when men stand in truth, nations are healed,” the faithful were told.
Men were urged to reject violence, drunkenness, and corruption, and instead become pillars of society by living with honesty and prayer.
As the event concluded, the congregation recommitted themselves to Bishop Gasi’s legacy with slogans that echoed across the cathedral:
“Truth is our weapon, honesty our path, integrity our victory.”
“Peace begins with truth; truth begins with me.”
“Whatsoever be the case, live in truth.”
The celebration ended with a commissioning prayer, calling families, youth, leaders, and clergy to embrace honesty and integrity as the foundation for peace and unity in Western Equatoria and across South Sudan.
