In Torit Town, pretty much like everywhere else in South Sudan these days, the big focus is on the upcoming referendum on independence which will take place next January. There was recently a very well attended workshop in preparation for that event. It took a look at the history of north-south relations in Sudan and examined a number of scenarios of what could happen before, during and after the referendum. Examples of other countries who went through similar experiences, with varying outcomes, were also presented. One of the resolutions of the workshop was that people should be encouraged to pray for the smooth and peaceful carrying out of the referendum process. That’s something we hope to contribute to at the chapel in the House of Mercy.
In the meantime work has finally begun on the new church for Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in downtown Torit. Unfortunately that meant cutting down some trees to make space for the new structure. Because the ruins of the former church are such a significant monument of the suffering and tenacity of Christians during the war and the persecution that accompanied it, the parishioners were reluctant to have them demolished. They want to leave it as a monument to the faith of the people and a reminder of the experience of the war. The new structure will be located behind the ruins.
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3 comments:
FR Heraldo
Sigo rezando por usted y por Sudan todos los dias estoy haciendo un hora santa extra solo por el Sudan que la Virgen de Guadalupe lo Guie en Xto Br Diego
Br Diego - gracias, y bien hecho. Lo haremos juntos y diario : )
Fr Herald - thank you SO MUCH for helping here! Your efforts will be INSTRUMENTAL in whatever outcome this referendum takes. As I said before, only through the message of the gospel and the peace that it brings will the people of Sudan be able to move forward and escape the violence of the past. Christ is the only unifying force that will matter, and the only one which can surpass tribal, ethnic and even religious allegiances.
Unfortunately the Mohammedan version of Jesus in the Qur'an omits any quotes or messages of His pertaining to peace and non-violence (how convenient). Yet there are a few select Quranic quotes one could use along with invoking the name of "Isa al-Massih" as He is known in order to appeal to the Mohammedan mindset should the unfortunate need arise.
On your interview last Sunday on Fr. Groeschel, you talked about the difficulties of lay volunteers serving in So Sudan. I was in So. Sudan in 2004 and know what you mean about getting volunteers there and supporting them.Then after looking at the job opportunities in SS on Gutong, I wondered if it would be possible to encoursge some of the graduates from schools like Ave Maria University( where I work) to take jobs with the many NGOs there and after their service to give some time to your mission.
Sincerely,
Dick Hailer
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