SOUTH SUDAN AND THE MSC
Last Saturday we celebrated Our Lady of the Sacred Heart here in South Sudan. It was a quiet, beautiful day to mark the depth of the love of God shared between Jesus and his mother. It was not, however, the first celebration of the feast here. In fact, Sudan and the Sacred Heart family can trace their history back to the very beginnings of our Congregation.
In May 1881 in correspondence with Fr. Chevalier, Bishop Daniel Comboni wrote about his special devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. A statue given to him by Fr. Chevalier in Issoudun was lost in the Nile and he was writing to ask for another one – this time made of wood. The future saint wrote about ‘her very special protection’ in accomplishing his ministry as the Vicar Apostolic of Central Africa. Indeed, he was so moved he went on to consecrate all of Sudan to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
This blessing extends in a special way to South Sudan. Our Daughters have already been her for over twenty-five years, working in the former refugee camp, now thriving town, of Mapourdit. They have been with the people during their struggle for freedom, the excitement of Independence in 2011, and the disappointment of the Civil War. They work side by side with Comboni brothers and priests building up the Kingdom of God.
For my part, I am working down the road in Rumbek in the Loreto School for Girls. It is a sad reality that it is more likely for a South Sudanese girl to die in childbirth than finish a basic secondary education. The challenges facing the country are considerable, including food insecurity, the threat of violence, and widespread poverty. However, it is also one of the places where some of the most prophetic, exciting ministry is happening within our Church.
Whether it is through health, education, or outreach to the marginalised, the Church has taken a leading role in South Sudan. We are also focusing a great deal of time and energy on evangelisation, working with small communities to share the Word of God. Given that South Sudan is the same size as France, any work has to be carried out with meaningful lay collaboration. Our real shortcoming though is personnel. Many parishes within the Diocese of Rumbek have no brothers, sisters, or priests. The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few. Let us pray the Lord will send labourers into his harvest.
God bless you or as we say here Ben Nhialic Areer Kek Wek!
Fr. Alan Neville MSC
