| On Sunday November 21,2021 there was a boat carrying 28 passengers travelling on the Nile River from Khartoum to Malakal. It capsized on the approach to Malakal town in which 12 people drowned and 16 survived.
A mother named Bianca tried to save her 3 boys and 2 girls (Benson 17, Kur 14, Nur 10, Ronyo 8 and Adriana 3) from drowning but was unable. The boat was overloaded carrying not only passengers but heavy materials and baggage without any life preserver jackets. Such a tragedy could have been prevented if proper safety protocols were observed. On Monday November 29 we held a funeral service for the children at our Church in the camp since the family were members of our Catholic community. Both parents, Benson and Bianca, were present. It is hard to put into words the depth of sorrow they must have felt losing all their children. The faith of the Christian Community who gathered that day prayed and gave support to these grieving parents We were united in their sorrow with an unflinching hope that their children are safely in the loving hands of God.
Poem: Striving
Greeting the morning new dawning of life eager to begin again embracing the moment
Life finds a way opening diverse paths leading to unity becoming as one
Seeking lasting peace hoping for justice coming together desiring better way
Everything has purpose focusing on essentials inwardly still attaining goals
Stressful times increasing awareness importance of centering remaining in You
Finding in silence with compassionate action Your presence enlivening every life’s journey
Pandemic and conflicts one day overcome striving forward meeting daily challenges.
Fr. Mike Bassano, mm |
Date Published:22 December 2021 Author:David About the Author:Mission Promoter Article Tags: Navidad, Sud Sudan, Christmas, Sudán del Sur |