Bishop Caesar Mazzolari told Good News Radio yesterday that the effectiveness of the referendum and the life after the popular consultation depended on the plans made now, adding that this involved a commitment to make personal sacrifices.
The bishop called upon citizens to maintain the peace, explaining that building foundations and planning required an atmosphere of peace.
Bishop Mazzolari cautioned against the thinking that voting at the referendum was an end in itself, and urged Southern Sudanese to get involved in working for the common good.
The Bishop of Rumbek told the Southern Sudanese to take ownership of the referendum with a sense of patriotism, cautioning them against expecting too much from the international community or remaining dependent on the decisions of the Khartoum government.
Bishop Mazzolari made these remarks while outlining the plans for the November 8 to 15 Sudan Catholic Bishops’ plenary that will bring together 45 Church personalities in Rumbek to reflect together on the situation of the country heading for a referendum on self-determination of South Sudan.