Centenary of the “Ave Maria” parish, in the Diocese of Tombora-Yambio, South Sudan

In 1923, the French hired some Azande soldiers living in territory under British rule to go to their area and help them quell some local rebellions. Upon their return, these soldiers showed obvious symptoms of the sleeping sickness, contracted during their expedition, and the British colonialists thought it best to keep them in prolonged forced isolation in a location near the border.

To ensure that the sick received proper care, the Combonians sent Father Gubert. The latter stayed for a while as a ‘nurse’, then also began to work as an evangeliser. A catechumenate was therefore born and, on 8^th December 1924, the first baptisms were administered. The parish was named ‘Ave Maria’ and belonged to what was then the Comboni circumscription of Bahr el Ghazal.

The ‘Ave Maria’ mission today is run by the Missionary Community of St Paul (MCSPA). On 5^th December 2023, celebrations for the Centenary of Faith began in the parish of Ngboko. On 8^th December, the newly renovated ‘Ave Maria’ parish church was reconsecrated. Bishop Edward Hiiboro Kussala of the Tombura-Yambio diocese was invited to preside over the ceremony. Also present were the pastor of the parish of Obbo (Central African Republic), the pastor of the mission in Lobur, father Joseph, superior of the MCSPA, numerous missionaries and diocesans priests, religious men and sisters, and many Christians who had come from all parts of the diocese.

The various centenary celebrations ended on 8^th December 2024, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, with the participation of the Comboni provincial superior, Father Gregor Schmidt, in the presence of more than ten thousand people from the various villages in the region.

The light-heartedness and exuberant joy of such celebrations are unfortunately the exception in South Sudan today. Even in Ri Yubu County, armed clashes are still going on. But, overcoming fear, it was decided not to postpone the closing celebration, but to offer the local people a new clear sign that the Gospel brings reconciliation.

Many speeches were given, and in all resounded, like a refrain, the recognition that Jesus is indeed the messenger of peace for the South Sudanese.

Over time, the Comboni missionaries surrendered all the missions they founded in the diocese of Tombora-Yambio (in Western Equatoria State), but they are still gratefully remembered for bringing the Christian faith into the 20^th century.

Father Schmidt Gregor Bog-Dong, mccj