By Paschal Norbert
JUBA, AUGUST 6, 2024 (CISA) – After an illustrious diplomatic career in both South Sudan and Sudan, Most Rev Hubertus Maria van Megen, the outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, has bid a heartfelt farewell to the faithful and nation.
His departure follows the appointment of Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan by Pope Francis on May 14, 2024, who will succeed him as the first resident nuncio in South Sudan.
In his farewell address at St. Theresa’s Cathedral in the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba on August 4, Archbishop van Megen reflected on his deep connection with South Sudan, expressing his continual advocacy for a permanent representative to the country.
“Every visit to the Vatican,” he shared, “I requested that the Holy See appoint a permanent representative to South Sudan, recognizing the Church’s growing maturity here.”
The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya praised his successor, Archbishop Horgan, for his diplomatic acumen, confident that Horgan would elevate the Church’s mission and further fortify the bonds between the Holy See and the Republic of South Sudan.
“Dear brothers in Christ,” he said, adding “it is time for me to leave this beautiful country, South Sudan- child of the Nile, land of Kush. Yet, I will carry you in my heart.”
He drew upon Colossians 1:9-12 to convey his sentiments, emphasizing the importance of spiritual wisdom and understanding in serving the Lord.
“We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will,” he quoted, reflecting his deep commitment to the people he served.
Archbishop van Megen expressed his belief that the presence of a resident Apostolic Nuncio would enhance relations with the state and contribute to the Church’s mission.
“Everything I did was for the good of the Church and the People of God in South Sudan,” he stated humbly, invoking Luke 17:5-10 to underscore his role as a servant leader, “I am just a useless servant; I have done what my duty was to do.”
Reflecting on his time in Khartoum and Juba, van Megen fondly remembered the warm hospitality, the weather, and the people he encountered.
Born on October 4, 1961, in Eygelshoven, the Netherlands, he was ordained a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Roermond on June 13, 1987. His diplomatic career with the Holy See included roles in Somalia and Brazil, as well as as a Council member at the Holy See Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.
In 2010, he served as Chargé d’Affaires in Malawi. On March 8, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Titular Archbishop of Novaliciana and Apostolic Nuncio to Sudan with his consecration taking place on May 17. His role expanded to include Eritrea on June 7, 2014. He was appointed to Kenya on February 16, 2019, with South Sudan added to his responsibilities on March 19, 2019.
