South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Waure Eddy
The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has extended heartfelt congratulations to the St. Augustine Complex – Ataari Holy Ground, commending its development as a beacon of education, spirituality, and community transformation.
Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala described the complex as a “living legacy of resilience and faith,” emphasising its diverse contributions to the region.
Named in honour of St. Augustine of Hippo, the complex encompasses eight key institutions: St. Augustine Parish, St. Augustine Kindergarten and Primary School, Bishop Abangite College of Science and Technology, Sustainable Agriculture for Rural Development Training Centre, Solidarity Teachers Training College, Creative Multipurpose Sports Ground, Yambio Institute of Management and Polytechnic, and St. Jude Spiritual Hub and Centre.
The Bishop highlighted that the complex’s naming was inspired by the late Titarani Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite, who envisioned the land as a sacred space for education and empowerment.
The name “Ataari,” meaning “the bosom of wisdom” in Pazande, reflects the initiative’s deep cultural and spiritual roots.
The complex has not only nurtured local talent but has also sent missionaries abroad through the International Missionary Congregation of St. Augustine, founded by Rev. Fr. Andrea Mbuniwia.
This year, the community celebrates an extraordinary milestone: the election of Pope Leo XIV, a member of the same congregation, during the Jubilee Year of 2025.
The Bishop also paid tribute to the legacy of Hon. Kisanga Charles, whose bold efforts in Khartoum led to the establishment of a high school under St. Augustine’s patronage, an institution that has educated many of South Sudan’s current leaders.
In his message, Bishop Hiiboro urged students, staff, and the faithful to embody the virtues of St. Augustine: “his thirst for truth, his resilience in faith, his courage in seeking wisdom, and his love for Christ.” He called on the community to “pray for peace, work for peace, and live as witnesses of peace.”
As the complex continues to flourish, it stands as a testament to the power of faith-driven education and the enduring spirit of a community committed to transformation, unity, and hope.
