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In Sudan, “vocations are growing! God is at work”, Catholic Bishop Says, Expresses Optimism amid Civil War

Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of the Catholic Diocese of El-Obeid in Sudan. Credit: ACN

There is a noticeable growth in vocations to the Priesthood in Sudan, the Bishop of the country’s Catholic Diocese of El-Obeid has said, testifying about God being “at work” in the Northeastern African nation that is experiencing its worst civil war that has forced millions to flee.

In report that the Catholic charity foundation, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International, published on Thursday, January 16, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali recounts the events since the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023.

According to Bishop Tombe, the Catholic Church in the Muslim-dominated country continues to keep Jesus Christ present amid the suffering and brutality of the war. He says that currently, “there are more workers being prepared to serve in the vineyard.”

“We currently have more than 70 youngsters in our formation houses, and I will be ordaining six new young priests this year,” Bishop Tombe says.

“Vocations are growing! God is at work,” the Bishop who recently shared his harrowing experience at the hands of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) says.

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Since 15 April 2023, the RSF, a paramilitary group, has been in armed conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) which is commanded by President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Both sides jointly deposed the transitional regime, established after the overthrow of dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Once their objective was achieved, the Sudanese Army and the RSF clashed for control of the country’s wealth, especially for gold and oil.

According to a Thursday, January 16 report, the U.S. The Treasury Department has frozen President al-Burhan's assets, accusing his army of targeting civilians and the use of food blockades. These sanctions aim to pressure Sudan's leadership to cease hostilities and allow humanitarian aid to reach affected populations.

In response to the humanitarian crisis, local Sudanese communities have reportedly established Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) to provide essential services.

These grassroots initiatives offer food, medical assistance, and education, compensating for the limited reach of international aid organizations due to ongoing violence. The ERRs exemplify the resilience and solidarity of Sudanese citizens amid adversity

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In the January 16 report, Bishop Tombe narrated his experience the day the war began. He said that at the first shelling, he went into the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of Africa of his Episcopal See and prayed before the Blessed Sacrament, before receiving the “unexpected visitors.”

He explained that the Cathedral, situated near military and security installations, became a direct target during the early stages of the fighting and suffered significant impacts of the war.

Bishop Tombe recalled praying in the Cathedral when it was hit by bullets and shrapnel. He also recalled receiving an unexpected visit from SAF members, who he said sought shelter in the Cathedral.

“After three hours the fighting subsided, and they all left,” the Bishop said and added that later, one of them returned and said, while pointing at the tabernacle, “Bishop, this candle is strong and powerful. It has protected us.”

Bishop Tombe told ACN that the testimony of the SAF member strengthened his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, which he described as his source of strength and joy. He disclosed that he now holds adoration four times daily and has encouraged the 300 Catholic families who remain in El-Obeid to deepen their faith.

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The Bishop said the city which is controlled by SAF but besieged by RSF faces severe hardships characterized by dire living conditions, including a lack of water, electricity, and communication for months.

Some of the affected people, the Bishop said, stay under trees and many are staying in schools. He emphasized that the situation is bad as there is “shelling now and then.” We have had no water in the rectory for 19 months now, no electricity, no internet, and only rare telephone communication,” he said.

He said, “Those who remained are pale because of hunger, but there is strength from knowing that God is present. During this difficult situation, faith is stronger, and even more sacraments are being administered. More people are coming to the Church, there is more need for the Priests, and for the Bishop.”

According to ACN, The Catholic Church in Sudan, though a minority, continues to serve the community. In El-Obeid, it operates the only educational institutions still open, including six kindergartens, six primary schools, and one secondary school.

Bishop Tombe recounted a visit from the governor, who he said expressed gratitude for the Church’s efforts after Muslim schools closed following a tragic shelling incident.

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“We were visited by the governor in August, and he thanked us for keeping our schools open because all the Muslim schools closed after an incident in which a shell killed 35 young girls in a school in the city,” the Catholic Bishop said.

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.