Hundreds of faithful congregated at St. Mary Catholic Cathedral in Yambio on Friday commemorate the Feast of Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, one of the most revered celebrations in the Catholic Church.
During the ceremony, over 700 members of the Legion of Mary renewed their commitment to live by the example of Mother Mary, pledging to serve others with compassion and devotion.
“The renewal of our faith is a reminder that we must walk in the footsteps of Mother Mary by doing good to others and spreading love in our community,” said Theresa Kazi, Secretary General of the Legion of Mary in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio.
Theresa Kazi expressed optimism following the renewal ceremony, stating, that.
“Today, our members have reaffirmed their faith and their commitment to live out the values of Mary in our daily lives. We hope this renewed spirit will inspire our community to practice love, service, and unity.”
Meanwhile, in his homily, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio emphasized the spiritual significance of the day stating that.
“The Feast of Our Mother Mary that we celebrate today, the Assumption, is our celebration. God created human beings in His image, and among them is Mary, full of grace and without sin. She bore Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and her body and soul were taken to heaven. This is a sign that we, too, are destined for eternity. We are important, we are children of God, and we must uplift ourselves and serve others with dignity and faith,” Bishop Hiiboro said.
The Feast of the Assumption is celebrated annually on August 15 by Catholics worldwide, honoring the belief that Mary was taken bodily into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
It is a solemn reminder of Mary’s purity, her unique role in salvation, and her eternal presence in the Church’s life. In countries from Italy and the Philippines to the United States and South Sudan, Catholics observe the day with masses, processions, and devotional prayers.
Bishop Hiiboro highlighted that the celebration is not only a commemoration of Mary’s life but also a call for the faithful to recognize their own worth as children of God.
“We must see ourselves as important, our lives have meaning, and we must contribute positively to our families, communities, and society at large,” he added.
The feast remains one of the most significant liturgical celebrations in the Catholic calendar, symbolizing hope, purity, and eternal life, and continues to unite millions of Catholics worldwide in prayer and devotion.