When This Picture Spoke to Me: A Testimony on the Heroic Witness of Catechist James

by Father Christy John CMF – Pastoral Programme Administrator

During our pastoral formation program in the Old Fangak Pastoral Region of the Diocese of Malakal, I encountered many dedicated catechists whose lives continue to strengthen the faith of God’s people in the midst of immense suffering. Among them, one person touched my heart in a profound way: Catechist James.

The history of the Church in South Sudan is a history of faith preserved through sacrifice. For decades, our people endured oppression, war, displacement, tribal conflicts, hunger, and insecurity. Yet the faith survived. The Church remained alive. Communities continued to gather for prayer. Children continued to learn the faith. Families continued to trust in God. This miracle did not happen by chance. It happened largely because of the silent and faithful service of countless catechists who carried the Gospel to places where priests could not always reach.

In many remote villages, where there is no priest for months or even years, the catechist becomes the living face of the Church. He gathers the people for prayer, teaches the children, prepares catechumens for the sacraments, comforts the sick, accompanies the grieving, and keeps the flame of faith burning. Without catechists, many Christian communities in South Sudan would have disappeared long ago.

Catechist James is one of those hidden heroes.

As I sat and spoke with him, I saw in his eyes a burning fire of faith. There was no bitterness, no complaint, no demand for recognition. Instead, I encountered a man deeply in love with God and committed to serving His people despite overwhelming difficulties.

What moved me most was not merely his words, but his life.

The photograph of his bare feet and torn sandals spoke to me more powerfully than many sermons I have heard. Those worn-out sandals became a Gospel message. They told a story of countless miles walked under the scorching sun. They spoke of villages visited, prayers led, children instructed, and communities sustained in faith. They revealed years of sacrifice, hidden suffering, and unwavering commitment.

As I looked at those feet, I felt challenged in my own religious vocation.

I thought about my vow of poverty. I thought about the comforts I sometimes seek. I thought about the little inconveniences that occasionally discourage me. Then I looked again at Catechist James and realized that true missionary discipleship is not measured by what we possess but by what we are willing to give.

He serves in an area where many families struggle to find even one meal a day. Opportunities for employment are almost nonexistent. Educational facilities are limited. Insecurity remains a constant threat. Transportation is nearly unavailable. Yet he continues to serve faithfully year after year.

During our conversation, he shared a simple but heartbreaking reality.

Whenever he leaves home for Church activities, his children wait for his return hoping he might bring something for them. Sometimes he has nothing to bring back. With tears in his eyes, he said, “When I return, they expect something. If I bring nothing, they are disappointed. But this is our fate.”

Those words pierced my heart.

At that moment, I understood more deeply the cost of discipleship. Here was a man who continues to serve the Church despite knowing that his own family struggles. Here was a father carrying the burden of poverty while still dedicating himself to the mission of evangelization. Here was a catechist who had every reason to give up, yet continued to say “yes” to God.

His witness reminded me of the words of St. Paul:

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken”.

Fr Christy John, CMF