| The President of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC) has lauded the outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to the East-Central African nation, Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, for fostering peace in the country.
In his speech during a farewell Mass on Sunday, August 4, Stephen Ameyu Martin Cardinal Mulla of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba said that Archbishop van Megen had “exemplified compassion and dedication in his service to the people of South Sudan and Sudan.” “His unwavering commitment to fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation has left a lasting impact on our nation,” he said during the celebration at St. Theresa’s Cathedral of his Metropolitan See. The South Sudanese Cardinal went on to highlight some of the achievements of the outgoing Apostolic Nuncio including facilitating the appointment of Bishops in South Sudan and the first-ever Papal visit to the country in February 2023. “It was during your tenure that many things happened. Most of our Bishops were installed during his time,” Cardinal Ameyu told the Nairobi-based Vatican diplomat, and added, “It was during your time that the Church in South Sudan had the very important occasion of the visit of Pope Francis.” The SCBC President continued, “Under your guidance, the Apostolic Nunciature has played a pivotal role in supporting humanitarian efforts, promoting dialogue among different communities, and protecting the interests of the vulnerable and the marginalized people, especially in our Dioceses.” “We express our deepest gratitude for the tireless efforts, steadfast leadership, and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and solidarity,” he further said. “Thank you for your assistance to the Catholic Diocese of Malakal, especially during the time of the floods,” he said about the Dutch-born Vatican diplomat, who started his service as Apostolic Nuncio in May 2014 in Sudan. He continued, “As you continue to be a diplomat of the Vatican State and the Holy Father, let your mission be that of fostering equality and dignity.” “May this moment of transition be a time of celebration, gratitude, and reflection as we honor you and your legacy. May the Lord bless you in your next assignment and work. May we always remember your good works in South Sudan,” Cardinal Ameyu told Archbishop van Megen who continues to his diplomatic service in Kenya. On May 14, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan as the first-ever resident Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan. South Sudan has been served by the Kenya-based Apostolic Nuncio in collaboration with a Charge d’Affaire based at the country’s Apostolic Nunciature in Juba. Meanwhile, Archbishop van Megen has conveyed his gratitude to the government and the people of God in South Sudan for their “excellent cooperation.” Credits to: Jude Atemanke for ACIAFRICA
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Date Published:07 August 2024 Author:Alice, Officer
Article Tags: Latest news, South Sudan, Solidarity, Pope Francis, Apostolic Nuncio |
