“Church is with you”: South Sudanese Catholic Bishop Expresses Solidarity with Victims of Violence in His Episcopal See

SSPDF reportedly repelled the attack and retained control of the barracks after heavy gunfire that made civilians flee to the bushes for safety.

In his letter following the attack, Bishop Hiiboro says, “News has reached me of our faithful who are now trapped in the middle of nowhere, unable to move either to Tombura or to Wau, forced to hide in the bushes without food, medicine, or shelter, exposed to the rains and dangers of disease.”

He further laments, “Some of our beloved have been killed, many wounded, and countless others, especially the elderly, women, children, and the disabled, are in desperate conditions.”

Bishop Hiiboro goes on to encourage the victims of the attack, saying, “My dear people, though your homes, schools, and health centers have been looted, and though you now sleep under the open sky, remember that you are still held in the shelter of God’s hands.”

He urges the victims to place their trust in God, reminding them that “the One who fed His people in the desert, who calmed the storm at sea, who suffered on the Cross and rose again, is with you now.”

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“Let us not lose hope. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil, for the Lord is with us; His rod and staff comfort us; (Psalm 23:4),” says the Local Ordinary of South Sudanese CDTY.

 He goes on to entrust the people of God under his pastoral care to the protection of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, and further invokes the guardianship of Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and all the Saints to protect his Episcopal See.

In his letter, the 60-year-old Catholic Bishop, who has been at the helm of CDTY since his Episcopal Ordination in June 2008, calls for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians.

“To all those engaged in fighting, I raise my voice as a shepherd. Cease hostilities! Respect human life! Protect civilians!” he says, and adds, “Violence only deepens wounds and dishonors the dignity of our people. Our land cries out for peace, reconciliation, and the respect of every human person created in the image of God.”

Bishop Hiiboro appeals to all people of goodwill, especially Christians, to stand in solidarity with the suffering people of God in Nagero County.

He calls for solidarity with humanitarian agencies, including Caritas South Sudan and the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP), noting that through joint efforts, they can coordinate emergency assistance in food, medicine, clothing, and shelter.

“The faithful in the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio and beyond, please open your hearts and hands in prayer, fasting, and generous sharing,” Bishop Hiiboro appeals, and adds, “Let us place everything in the hands of our loving Father, who never abandons His children.”

“I unite my prayers with yours, that the rain of heaven may not drench you with despair but water your faith; that the darkness of night may not crush you with fear but remind you of the coming dawn,” he says.

He implores, “May the mother of Sorrows hold you under her mantle, and may Christ, the Prince of Peace, restore peace to your homes and land.”

“Beloved children, though scattered and wounded, remember that you remain one family in Christ. Take courage. Your suffering is not unseen. The Church carries you in her heart, and I will not rest until support and relief reach you,” Bishop Hiiboro says in the letter.

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Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.