AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN – Anniversary of the Country’s independence: “As Catholics we must strive to ensure that peace and justice reign in the country”

AFRICA/SOUTH SUDA – Anniversary of the Country’s Independence: “As Catholics we should strive to ensure that peace & justice reign in this country”

Saturday, 9th July 2022

Tombura Yambio (Agenzia Fides – July 9 has always been a joyful time for me, dedicated to planning and reflecting on the gift of God’s freedom and gift to our beloved nation. These were the words of Msgr. Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala addressed people at the anniversary celebrations of South Sudan’s independence.
“The celebrations of this year – continues Prelate in the note to Fides. They were very spiritual and crowned by the arrival of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis’ special envoy. He was in Juba for three days praying, encouraging, blessing all of us as nation!”.
Msgr. Hiiboro also specified how different this year’s event is certainly: “we continue to suffer from the effects of the pandemic, internal conflicts and various forms of violence that limit our meetings and celebrations. It is also different because it is important to remember that all people are created equally and have the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To help preserve these rights, we are called to shape our nation. We Catholics must pray for peace and justice for all and respect for each individual.
“We are grateful to all the blessings we’ve received, but we also dare ask for more. We implore the Lord that He help us remain peacefully unified, protected by divine love.”
Msgr. Hiiboro ends by assuring his prayers for families: “God bless each of you with a lasting peace, the Republic of South Sudan, and the Western Equatorial State!”
The southern region of Sudan splits on July 9, 2011, and becomes South Sudan, 54th independent country on the African continent. (See Fides, 10/7/2021). After years of civil wars, independence was achieved following a January 2011 referendum in which 99% voted to separate. (EHK/AP) (Agenzia Fides, 9/7/2022)

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