Apostolic Nuncio Lauds Religious Institutes as “an invaluable component” of Church in South Sudan

Archbishop Horgan also acknowledged the dedication of those serving in remote locations that demand extensive travel to reach.

“The Bishop who is attentive to his Priests, who accompanies them, helps them in turn to be attentive to the needs of the faithful,” he said, urging Bishops to actively support the religious men and women in their dioceses.

The Apostolic Nuncio emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between religious institutes and diocesan leadership. Citing Canon Law, he reminded Bishops to safeguard the autonomy of religious institutes while ensuring their alignment with the mission of the Church.

“The Code of Canon Law reminds us that, inasmuch as institutes of consecrated life are dedicated in a special way to the service of God and of the whole church, they are subject to the supreme authority of the church in a special way,” he said.

Addressing financial matters, Archbishop Horgan urged adherence to Pope Francis’s reforms, emphasizing transparency and accountability in managing subsidies from the Pontifical Missionary Societies.

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He also announced a change in the distribution of the ordinary subsidy, stating that dioceses must now formally request it. “Each diocese will now have to evaluate if it needs the subsidy and will then have to make a formal written request,” he said, urging Bishops to submit these requests to Rome by the end of November.

Meanwhile, in his speech at the beginning of the SSS-CBC Plenary Assembly, the President of the Conference that brings together Catholic Bishops in Sudan and South Sudan acknowledged the importance of the Synod on Synodality, describing it as a process of listening, dialogue, and communal discernment that engages all members of the Church.

 “The Church is called to respond to the challenges of the world by engaging all its members in a process of discernment, ensuring that the voices of the faithful are heard and valued,” Stephen Ameyu Martin Cardinal Mulla said.

Cardinal Ameyu outlined key challenges facing the Church in Sudan and South Sudan, including political instability, social and economic hardships, and interreligious relations.

The Cardinal emphasized the Church’s role in addressing these issues, stating, “We, as Bishops, need to stand on the podium and announce the suffering of our people.” He underscored the humanitarian crises in both countries, highlighting the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons.

He called on the Church to mobilize resources to assist vulnerable populations, especially women and children, and to advocate for peace and reconciliation.

On interreligious relations, Cardinal Ameyu urged cooperation among faith communities in fostering harmony and addressing common challenges. He highlighted the role of agencies like the South Sudan Council of Churches and Caritas South Sudan in sustaining interfaith collaboration.

The South Sudanese Cardinal created alongside two other Africans during the 30 September 2023 Consistory in Rome addressed the pervasive issue of tribalism, which he described as a significant barrier to national cohesion and unity.

“We tend to always be tribal. When conflict happens, we go along the tribe. We do not respect our nations,” he observed, urging the Church to work toward strengthening national and ecclesial unity.

Despite these challenges, Cardinal Ameyu called for resilience and commitment from the bishops. He emphasized the Church’s mission to be a voice for the voiceless and a promoter of peace and solidarity, even in the face of adversity.

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“In these challenging times, your efforts to foster peace, reconciliation, and solidarity among the faithful is very vital,” he told SSS-CBC members on November 15, the first of their five-day Plenary Assembly.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.