 On the 8th June, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary which is their congregational feast day, the Claretian Missionaries established their first community in South Sudan in St Stephen’s Parish, Kodok, Diocese of Malakal. The Bishop of Malakal, Right Rev. Stephen Nyodho, and the Provincial of the Claretian Missionaries in Sri Lanka, Fr Joseph Emmanuel Jeyaraja CMF, along with Solidarity member Fr Christy John CMF were present to officially install the community of two Sri Lankan Missionaries and one Ugandan Claretian Deacon in the historically famous parish of Kodok. In 1938, Kodok was promoted to an Apostolic Prefecture and this later evolved into the Diocese of Malakal. In the previous century, the nearby town of Fashoda sprang to international fame in 1898 during an imperialist territorial dispute between France and Britain. More recently, the parish and people of Kadok suffered greatly during the civil war. The establishment of this Claretian community marks a commitment by them and the Catholic Church to a devasted area and people. It will hopefully usher in an era of stability and confidence for the local Christians.
Claretian Missionaries have been present in South Sudan since 2008. This began with Fr Calistus Joseph CMF who was part of the pioneer Solidarity with South Sudan group to start the mission in Southern Sudan. Later, he led that group until his departure in 2014. Since that time, there has been a continuous commitment by the Claretian Missionaries to Solidarity and South Sudan. They have generously sent the following personnel to serve in various capacities with Solidarity, Fr. Alberto Ruiz CMF from the USA, Fr. Roland Onuekwusi CMF from Nigeria, Fr. Jose Pitcahi CMF from India, and Fr. Christy John CMF from Sri Lanka who is currently part of the Solidarity Pastoral Team in the Good Shepherd Peace Centre in Kit. Solidarity is happy to see this Claretian commitment bearing additional fruit with the establishment of a new pastoral presence in the Diocese of Malakal in this the 175th anniversary year of their foundation. May the Lord of the harvest bless their work! |
Date Published:11 June 2024 Author:Jim Greene, Executive Director
Article Tags: Latest news, South Sudan, Solidarity, Claretian Missionaries, Malakal |
