Catechists in South Sudanese Diocese Urged to “continue serving people” amid Challenges

Yei, 03 August, 2022 / 8:50 PM

Catechists in South Sudan’s Yei Catholic Diocese have been called upon “to continue serving the people of God” amid challenges in their respective lives. 

In his homily on Sunday, July 31 at Assumption Parish of Yei Diocese, Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor Eyobo urged Catechists to continue proclaiming the gospel of hope to the people facing difficult times.

“May God continue to bless you to continue serving the people of God through these difficult times you are going through,” Bishop Lodiong said.

He added, “If you continue with this faith, you will be staying here happily because there is a congregation with you despite the difficulties.” 

The Local Ordinary of Yei Diocese expressed appreciation to the Catechist of Assumption Parish for preparing catechumens for the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.

“I would like to appreciate the Catechists with his team for serving the people of this area with the word of God,” he said, adding that “if not for you and the team you work with, our people would not be able to receive Baptism and Confirmation in this parish.”

He continued, “As you stay here in this bush you should keep your faith strong because I know you have been going through some temptations here.” 

In his July 31 homily, Bishop Lodiong invited armed groups to allow pastoral agents to accomplish their mission in the Diocese.

“Those carrying guns should leave our Catechists and Priests to continue proclaiming the gospel of good news to our people,” he said.

The 51-year-old South Sudanese Bishop who started his Episcopal Ministry on May 15 further said, “Our priests should not be threatened by the military or armed groups who are staying here in the bushes.”

“Catechists are praying for the Christians who are the people of God they serve regardless of their political affiliation as long as they have faith that makes them believe in God,” he said. 

The South Sudanese Bishop continued, “Let me tell those intimidating our people that there is no enemy in faith because the church is meant to pray for everyone.”

Bishop Lodiong further said, “If a rebel is someone who believes in God that means he is a Christian like any other person and deserves to be prayed for.” 

“We should not segregate them from the other people because they are the people of God we are meant to serve,” the Catholic Church leader said.

He called upon “Catechists and pastoral agents in our parishes to continue to serve the people of God although they are being threatened because God is seeing what is happening.”