Peace agreement and Pope
Francis’ visit giving hope to the people of South Sudan
 |
| South Sudan Catholic faithful at prayer (AFP) |
“We are a family of God’s people, in participatory service
to the Church.” This is the theme of the first Diocesan Synod organised by the
Diocese of Tombura-Yambio in South Sudan.
Agenzia Fides – Nzara, South Sudan
The first of its kind, in the history of South Sudan, the
Diocesan Synod started sitting on 27 November. The Synod held at the Palica
Pastoral Centre, in the State of Gbudue, officially ends on 7 December.
Preparations for the Synod started three years ago.
A pilgrim Church
Officially presiding at the opening ceremony of the Synod, Bishop
Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, described the Diocese as a Church on pilgrimage.
“As a pilgrim Church, we are not a static reality ... but
are on a continuous journey through history, towards that ultimate and
marvellous end which is the Kingdom of Heaven following Jesus’ invitation to
‘go ... and make disciples of all nations.’ The Church’s missionary activity
flows from this commissioning by Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Kussala.
Listening and discerning
The Bishop, together with delegates, expressed satisfaction
with the proceedings of the Synod.
“Since the beginning of the Synod process, the dynamic has
been that of seeking, listening and discerning: seeking input from everyone,
listening to everyone and discerning with all those who are part of our Church.
This practice positively impacted the faithful, religious and priests,” the
Bishop said.
Delegates were drawn from the diocese’s 35 parishes and its
six deaneries.
Bishop Kussala spoke of the need for the diocese to continue
listening to the Good News of God’s mercy, which abounds even in the midst of
so much suffering surrounding the people of South Sudan.
Inner renewal begins with the individual
South Sudan is a place of dramatic and worrying suffering,
and all saw the Synod as an opportunity to personally promote and embrace the
possibility of a lasting remedy to the country’s ills, said Bishop Kussala.
“It is more than evident that inner renewal requires a
profound change of mind and heart, and personal spiritual growth must be rooted
in the Eucharist (especially through participation in the Sunday Mass) as well
as devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We must also embrace the teachings of
the Church, engaging in the life of the parish and in works of mercy,” said the
Tombura-Yambio Bishop.
Reaching out to “Vanished Catholics”
Among the objectives of the Synod was the need to reach out
to groups in the Diocese who are on the periphery of the Church, esepcially the
so-called "vanished Catholics” of the Diocese. Others on the periphery
include many young victims of war. Reaching out to them with love and
compassion would be part of a diocesan mission that will require new methods.
Peace and Pope Francis’s visit
Bishop Kussala stressed that the people of South Sudan have
a renewed sense of hope anchored on two pillars: The first is the peace
agreement signed by South Sudan’s warring parties while the second is, the
announcement of Pope Francis’ intention to visit South Sudan in 2020.
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