With almost 99% of the votes in favour in the referendum held last January, the people of Southern Sudan took the decision to create an independent state. Church institutions, especially Catholic ones, which over a long period of time had sustained and accompanied the desire for southern independence have shown that they want this epoque-making change to be marked by reconciliation, unity and peace, so that the new born nation may move ahead into a future of development and long-term prosperity.
In view of the approach of independence, the Bishops of the seven southern dioceses, meeting last May in Juba, launched a “Programme of prayer and action” with a letter in which they encouraged the faithful “to forge a single Nation from every tribe, language and people” in the memory of the martyrs, heroes and saints of Sudan, such as Saint Giuseppina Bakhita and Saint Daniele Comboni.
The “Programme” began on 28 May. In the centre of Juba, which will be the capital, there was a procession with prayers and pauses at some of the more significant places in the city. At the same time, the Salesian community in Wau, held a Blessed Sacrament Procession.
Peace and reconciliation were at the heart of the day of fasting and prayer on 24 June when harmony among the tribes was prayed for with approprite ceremonies and symbols. With the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on 29 June a Novena was begun with the theme “Jesus the corner stone” of the foundations of the new nation.
After the official proclamation of independence at Midnight on 9 July at the Mausoleum of John Garang in Juba, in the presence of many international and religious dignitaries, on Sunday 10 there will be a Thanksgiving Mass in all the parishes in the country.
The Salesians already have several foundations in 4 cities of the new state: Tonj, Wau, Maridi and Juba. In the latter the Salesian mission is developing rapidly. First a multi-purpose hall was built where children and youngsters can pray, study and play; then a prefabricated building for the community residence was erected; and on 14 May with the blessing of the archbishop of the city Poalino Lukudu Loro, a new school, entrusted to the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians was opened.
Among other successful projects during the past year have been the “Peace Education Programme”, a three week course for the students and teachers of the primary school, music lessons and a computer room for the young people.
The Economer of the centre, Fr Johnson Paulraj, is hoping to be able to open in 2012 the first buildings for a secondary school.
Published 07/07/2011
