By Paschal Norbert
JUBA, NOVEMBER 26, 2024 (CISA) – Thousands of Catholic faithful gathered at the Juba National Stadium on Sunday, November 24, 2024, to celebrate the historic occasion marking 50 years of the Catholic Church’s establishment in Sudan and the formation of the Catholic hierarchy in South Sudan.
The Golden Jubilee of the National Eucharistic Congress highlighted the Church’s continued growth, unity, and strength across both nations.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako, the first South Sudanese to be elevated to the rank of Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Wako, who is the Archbishop Emeritus of Khartoum, led the congregation in a powerful reflection on the anniversary’s significance and the Church’s call for unity and reconciliation within the region.
“The whole Church in our country has come together to profess its faith in Jesus Christ, the blessed God of heaven. This is the Christ whom we receive in the Holy Communion,” said Cardinal Wako in his homily.
“We gather also to renew our commitment to humanity. The sacrament that Jesus gave us unites us with Himself, reminding us that the Church is not just ‘our’ Church. Christ calls us to be His voice in the world today,” he added.
The celebration coincided with the Feast of Christ the King, a significant event in the Catholic liturgical calendar. Established by Pope Pius XI in 1925, this feast honours the divine kingship of Jesus Christ and serves as a reminder of His eternal reign. The day’s observances provided an opportunity for the faithful to reflect on Christ’s sovereignty, both divine and human.
Prominent regional religious leaders attended the occasion, including His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, Archbishop of Addis Ababa and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE); Rt Rev Charles Kasonde, Bishop of Solwezi, Zambia, and President of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in East Africa (AMECEA); and Rt Rev Dominic Eibu, Bishop of Kotido, Uganda. Additionally, delegates from ten Catholic dioceses across South Sudan joined in the celebration.
The event also attracted government figures, including Governor Augustino Jadala Wani, who remarked that the day symbolized a moment of renewal for the faith of South Sudan’s people. He urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of their citizens over personal interests and emphasized the importance of unity and service in national leadership.
The Eucharistic Congress was celebrated under the theme “One Body, One Spirit in Christ” (Ephesians 4:4), a message that resonated deeply among the attendees, reinforcing the power of unity, thanksgiving, and the continued mission of the Church. As both Sudan and South Sudan navigate ongoing socio-political challenges, this anniversary served as a powerful reminder of the Church’s commitment to promoting peace, serving the community, and strengthening the faith of its people.
