The first bishop of Torit diocese in South Sudan, Bishop Taban dedicated his life to helping the people of his country and Africa as a whole. He died at the age of 87 on November 1 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Members of the local African Catholic community were joined by the faithful from interstate dioceses for the first anniversary Mass and celebration of his life at the Playford Centre, Salisbury, on November 2.
The Mass was led by main celebrant Fr Michael Musyoka Kyumu with concelebrant Fr Joash Okeyo who arrived in Adelaide from Kenya in July this year.

Fr Michael

In his homily, Fr Michael spoke of the gifts of the mostly African congregation and their heritage as he acknowledged St Augustine, the church’s namesake as an African and one of the great theologian and fathers of the Church.
Fr Michael described Bishop Taban as exemplary of the mission of St Augustine with his belief in the importance of education as a key to young people’s independence and freedom from poverty.
He said the bishop moved from familiar places to where his presence would have most impact to live out this mission, showing his courage, strength and resilience.
The Bishop Paride Taban Education Foundation Inc. (BPTEF) was founded in 2021 in South Australia to help enable the underprivileged and orphaned young people in the Republic of South Sudan to access good quality education. The stated mission of BPTEF is to empower underprivileged and orphaned girls and boys with education to enable independence.
Many people at the memorial Mass wore foundation t-shirts and t-shirts made in honour of Bishop Taban.
The St Kizito Choir led the congregation in worship and praise.
Hosted by the Adelaide Archdiocese’s Justice, Healing and Inclusion team, the event was an opportunity for the team to meet and share knowledge with James Atanasious, part of the organising committee and a member of the Diocese of Parramatta’s Mission Enhancement Team.
For more information about the BPTEF, visit bparidefoundation.org