JUBA FEBRUARY 20, 2018 (CISA) – Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, President of Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC) has called on the faithful to pray during Lent for peace in the conflict-stricken nations of South Sudan and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“Our Easter must be true peace in our hearts, with our neighbors and our nations,” said Bishop Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio on February 18.
“Lent is a moment that calls all of us Christians to a deeper reflection on our lives, not only to repentance and reconciliation. Our country needs unity, to guide us to healing through authentic repentance. Unity does not mean a conflict-free society, but rather a society in which all people can enjoy freedom and experience love and compassion,” stated Bishop Kussala.
The Catholic community in the country has planned special prayer for peace to be held on February 23 and according to Bishop Kussala, the only way to experience healing and peace is through forgiveness.
“If we are not able to forgive, we remain locked up in our grief and shut out of the possibility of experiencing healing and freedom, excluded from the possibility of being at peace,” said the bishop.
The prelate on behalf of the faithful Catholics and of all the people of Sudan and South Sudan further thanked Pope Francis “for his love and constant attention” towards them.
“We are humbly grateful to our beloved Pope Francis who invites us to unite in prayer and to fast for peace in our devastated land and in all nations in difficulty,” said Bishop Kussala.
“Since the first day of our war conflicts, Pope Francis has offered continuous prayers and support for stability and peace in South Sudan, including Sudan,” he added.
