The Catholic Diocese of Rumbek started a prayer campaign for the unity of South Sudan ahead of the declaration of independence on July 9.
Bishop Caesar Mazzolari told Good News Radio that the prayer initiative came from the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference that expressed the need to pray for the declaration of South Sudan independence.
He said his diocese has been prompted to start a special prayer for unity he wrote due to the violent clashes in Mapuordit Payam and a conflict in Cueibet County that was duly resolved.
Bishop Mazzolari added that the prayer campaign aims at bringing about healing before the celebration of independence.
He stressed that that South Sudanese have a huge capacity to forgive, to put the past behind, and to constructively work for the future.
Bishop Mazzolari explained the content of the prayer, saying unity is born from a close relationship with God since it is by His grace that forgiveness and reconciliation can be lived.
The bishop highlighted the element of service, challenging the attitude of selfishness in those who have no concern for the needs of others.
Bishop Mazzolari said the prayer also focuses on the leaders of South Sudan, invoking God to give them a new vision and a new spirit to see the needs and the safety of those they serve.
The Bishop of Rumbek added that the prayer addresses the need for hard work and honesty among the South Sudanese together with wisdom and courage.
He said laziness begets a culture of gossip that leads to disunity, conditions that cannot build the new nation of South Sudan.