Cardinal in South Sudan Hails Establishment of Radio Maria in Juba Archdiocese as “platform for religious education”

“Radio Maria will not only connect the faithful in South Sudan but also reach out to those who may be isolated due to illness, age, or geographical barriers, thereby fostering a sense of unity within the Church,” the Archbishop of Juba, who doubles as the President of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC) since January 2024 said.

He added, “As Pope Pius XII noted, the media, particularly radio, is a precious gift that should be employed to promote truth, morality, and justice. Radio Maria embodies this vision, offering a space for the faithful to engage with the teachings of the Church and to grow in their faith.”

The setting up and launch of Radio Maria South Sudan in Juba, Cardinal Ameyu said, “is a testament to the Church's commitment to harnessing modern communication tools for the greater glory of God and the spiritual enrichment of the people of South Sudan.”

The launching, he went on to say, “is an invitation for all to tune in, participate, and deepen their relationship with Christ through the power of radio.”

The South Sudanese Cardinal, whose transfer from Torit Diocese to Juba Archdiocese in December 2019 was met with resistance from a section of the Clergy and Laity of South Sudan’s only Metropolitan See thanked the President of the global family of Radio Maria, the President of Radio Maria, Spain, and the President of Radio Maria in Africa for facilitating the establishment of Radio Maria South Sudan.

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“May God bless all of us in this journey. May the glory of God remain always through this Radio Maria,” Cardinal Ameyu implored during the November 9 inauguration of the Marian Radio located at St Joseph’s Cathedral of his Metropolitan See.

Meanwhile, in his homily during the inauguration Mass of Radio Maria South Sudan, Cardinal Ameyu described the Marian Radio as a “vessel for light” that will facilitate the sharing of Christ's message across the nation. 

“This station will carry the teachings of the Church, stories of faith, and the encouragement needed to navigate the challenges we face here in South Sudan,” the Local Ordinary of Juba Archdiocese since his installation in March 2020 said.

The name Radio Maria underscores the station’s dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cardinal Ameyu said about the Marian radio operationalized on frequency 95.4 FM under the slogan, “A Christian Voice on Your Homes.”

He urged the people of God in South Sudan to embrace Mary as a loving mother, capable of interceding in their lives and bringing comfort in times of struggle. 

“This radio will reach the hearts of many, inviting them to share in this joy that Mary brought to Elizabeth; a joy of Emmanuel, the joy of Christ,” the Catholic Church leader, who was created a Cardinal alongside two other Africans during the 30 September 2023 Consistory in Rome, said.

He invited those, who will oversee the operations of the inaugurated radio to “use this platform to reach as many people as possible. Together, we must ensure that the values of the Gospel touch the hearts of those who have not heard about Christ.”

“Let us pray for the success of this endeavour. With Radio Maria, we hope to spread the message of Christ’s love, building communities and reconciling hearts,” Cardinal Ameyu said.

On his part, the President of Radio Maria Spain, José Manuel, said that radio “has to remain in peace and Radio Maria has to be the tool to bring evangelization for this nice country.”

José shared the history behind the project, thanking those who he said worked tirelessly to establish the station. 

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“I only can say God bless South Sudan; far away from my country, from Spain, but it will remain always in my heart,” he said.

Radio Maria began as a Parish radio in Arcellasco d’Erba in 1983 and became independent from the Parish in 1987.

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.