Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
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| Archbishop Emeritus Paulino Lukudu Loro |
Archbishop Emeritus Paulino Lukudu Loro has called for peace and calm to reign in the Archdiocese of Juba.
“Dear People of God in the Archdiocese of Juba, I was saddened to learn and see that some Catholic faithful and Church personnel sustained some injuries on Sunday, 8th March 2020 in St. Theresa’s Cathedral Parish, Kator. Thanks be to God that no life was lost. I am unhappy to hear of violent threats and hostilities,” Archbishop Emeritus Lukudu of South Sudan’s Juba Archdiocese said in a letter dated Monday, March 9.
“I urge all the diocesan priests, Religious and the faithful of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba to refrain from violent activities and detest from violent threats and hostilities,” the 79-year-old Archbishop appealed and added in reference to Church ministers who left their parishes to seek refuge due to protests, “Let the priests who left their communities come back immediately.”
Archbishop Emeritus Lukudu has asked the people of South Sudan to become role models of peace and unity saying, “We should all work together toward unifying our faithful’s and we must avoid divisive politics and reckless utterances which lead to animosity and violence.”
He added, “In particular, I urge young people not to engage in acts of violence against whichever group. We are capable of solving our own issues and differences through dialogue.”
The call for calmness by Emeritus Archbishop Lukudu came following a protest after Msgr. Visvaldas Kulbokas, on behalf of the Holy See and appointment by the Congregation of the Evangelization of People, announced the reconfirmation of Archbishop elect Ameyu who is to be installed on Sunday, March 22, at St. Teresa’s Cathedral, Kator.
Archbishop Lukudu who is also the Apostolic Administrator of Juba Archdiocese, has asked the Christian faithful to let love prevail in their hearts especially during this Lenten period saying, “I appeal to all the people of God during this Holy season of Lent which is a favorable time for us Christians to put love of God into action. When we love and help other people, we give them a chance to experience the love and mercy of God and together with them we shall be ready to receive God’s forgiveness and celebrate with renewed hearts the great feast of Easter.”