AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - A peace centre opened by the Church in Southern Sudan devastated by civil war

Wednesday, 19 October 2016 peace  

Juba (Agenzia Fides) - "Good Shepherd Peace Centre". A well-wishing name for a Country torn by civil war like South Sudan. The center was opened on October 15 in kit, in the Archdiocese of Juba, by the Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo, assisted by His Exc. Mgr. Paolino Lukudu Loro, Archbishop of Juba, three other Bishops, an Apostolic administrator and a large number of Diocesan and Religious priests. A crowd or more than 800 people, including several ambassadors and local dignitaries, gathered for this joyful occasion.
"The Centre will be a positive force for the pursuit of peace in this young Country" said Fr. Daniele Moschetti, President of the Association of Religious Superiors in South Sudan.
The initial community to staff the Centre consists of a South Sudanese Comboni Priest, a Vincentian priest from the Philippines, and a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from the USA - plus a Jesuit priest from Rwanda and a St Martin De Porres Brother from Uganda.
There are forty, en-suite bedrooms each capable of accommodating two beds plus a youth hostel that can accommodate sixty people. With spacious conference and dining rooms, a central chapel and many seminar rooms.
"The fact that the Center exists shows that much can be done despite all the difficulties", said Fr. Moschetti. "The Centre is a gift of hope for the people of South Sudan, in particular for those who will receive training from this center. It is also a great sign that the Catholic Church is committed concretely for peace, justice and reconciliation through its own staff and its facilities". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/10/2016)


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