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Eucharistic Congress, Golden Jubilee in Sudan, South Sudan “a testament to the enduring spirit of communion”: Cardinal

Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Martin Mulla of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba in South Sudan has described the Eucharistic Congress and the Golden Jubilee of the Catholic hierarchy in Sudan and South Sudan as a testament to the enduring spirit of communion within the Catholic Church. 

Speaking at the conclusion of the yearlong Eucharistic Congress and the Golden Jubilee on November 24, Cardinal Ameyu expressed gratitude for the remarkable gathering of Clergy, Women and Men Religious, and lay faithful “united in faith and fellowship.”

“This occasion stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of communion within our church. The joy of this jubilee was magnified by the presence of so many devoted individuals during this time, Priests, Religious, lay people, who have united in faith and in fellowship,” the South Sudanese Cardinal said during the event that was held at the Juba National Stadium.

He added, “Your participation has not only enriched the celebration but has served as a powerful reminder of our shared mission in Christ.”

Making reference to St. John Paul II, Cardinal Ameyu said, “Such gatherings are extraordinary experiences of faith and eloquent testimonies of ecclesial communion.”

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“The Eucharistic Congress, at the heart of this jubilee, has provided a unique opportunity for us believers from all corners of the world to converge in worship and thanksgiving. It is through the Eucharist that we are built up as a new Jerusalem, of fostering unity among the diverse people,” the Cardinal said.

The Local Ordinary of South Sudan’s Catholic Archdiocese of Juba who doubles as President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) further said, “The collective prayers and praises offered during this time have surely ascended to heaven, echoing the sentiments of gratitude and resonate within our hearts.”

He said, “Fifty years after, we reflect on the blessings received during these celebrations. It is vital to recognize the contributions of all who have worked tirelessly to prepare for this momentous occasion.”

“Fifty years after, in reflecting on the golden jubilee of the hierarchy for Sudan and South Sudan, it is essential to acknowledge the profound journey that has unfolded since its inception in 1974. This celebration is not merely a commemoration of years past, but a testimony to the enduring faith and resilience of the Church in this region,” Cardinal Ameyu said.

He continued, “The jubilee invites us to remember and celebrate the blessings that God has showered upon His people and leadership. It serves as a reminder that through the incarnation of Jesus Christ, eternity has entered into time and the history of salvation continues to unfold in the lives of believers today in Sudan and South Sudan.”

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“This moment is a unique opportunity for the Church to reflect on its mission, the call to holiness, charity, and solidarity, especially in the face of changes that have marked the history of Sudan and South Sudan,” the Catholic Church leader said.

He continues, “Fifty years after, as the Church moves, we celebrate this occasion with loving memories because we have still the surviving Bishops who have served you. With this spirit, we thank the Lord for having given us this opportunity again. In closing, this golden jubilee inspired a renewed commitment to the values of peace, reconciliation, and solidarity.”

As the Church in Sudan and South Sudan moves forward, Cardinal Ameyu called for a renewed commitment to the values of peace, reconciliation, and solidarity.

“Let us embrace this moment as a time of grace, a day of blessing by the Lord, and a call to action for believers in both South Sudan and Sudan,” he said.

Cardinal Ameyu underscored the importance of unity and diversity in the Church, noting, “This unity in diversity serves as a model for Christian unity, especially in the context of shared history and aspirations for peace and reconciliation.”

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“The commitment to prolong ecclesial unity and share responsibility is vital for our mission. It is through our collective effort that we can effectively respond to the needs of our faithful and broader society, ensuring that the light of the gospel shines brightly in our nations,” the South Sudanese Cardinal said.

He urged all members of the Church to be “witnesses of hope” and “builders of a civilization of love, guided by the transformative power of God’s grace.”

“The love that unites us in service to the gospel is a source of strength and joy and it is this love that we must nurture as we journey together in faith,” Cardinal Ameyu said.

He implored, “May the Lord take care of you as you go back to your houses and families. May the Holy Spirit guide our efforts and renew our commitment to the mission entrusted to us and may God bless the Church in South Sudan and Sudan.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.