 |
| Most Rev Paolino Lukudu Loro |
The Archbishop of Juba Most Rev Paolino Lukudu Loro has renewed his appeal for peace and stability in the country by invoking God’s help.
In his message which AMECEA Online News has a copy, on the occasion of the National Memorial Prayer for those who have died and suffered since 15 December 2013 titled ‘A Prayer for Reconciliation, Healing and Peace in South Sudan’, Archbishop Lukudu said, “we have witnessed and lived for one year now a very miserable situation of things that should never have taken place on the soil of this nation.”
“Since the beginning of the conflict, there has been so much unnecessary death and displacement of individuals and communities with many fleeing the country as refugees to the neighboring Countries,” read the statement adding “The most appalling destruction was carried out on human beings, personal property, our social infrastructure etc which has forced many South Sudanese to seek safety in UNMISS Camps and elsewhere around the Country.”
He thanked and praised the tireless efforts and resources of the International Community who helped them in settling out of their troubles. “The Church in South Sudan - Bishops - Clergy - Faithful and all friends must be praised and encouraged for their deep prayers - tears - peace gatherings to obtain God's blessings for peace in our nation,” he said.
“In a special way the Catholic Bishops of South Sudan have issued several encouraging statements meant to promote peace in South Sudan. The last statement issued on the 25th September 2014 stated: 'War is evil, war cannot bring Peace, this war must stop immediately and unconditionally, Political and other grievances must be addressed later when the fighting has stopped.’
Referring to the Advent message, Archbishop Lukudu said, “We do not need to be discouraged. The Advent message tells us that a Christian is a cheerful and strong person, because Christ has shown him the meaning of all conditions of life; nobody is so bad, so sinful that he cannot be forgiven. There is no sin so great that it cannot be forgiven. We can all be forgiven and be saved, if we accept to repent, forgive and renew our life and nation.”
He asked the South Sudanese to accept and find ways of treating their ethnic/tribal divisions in order to heal them from the roots causes of the problems through sincere and honest reconciliation.
SOURCE: Fr Chrisantus Ndaga; AMECEA Social Communications Office