By: Ginaba Lino
The first resident Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, His Grace Seamus Patrick Horgan, paid a historic visit to the Catholic University of South Sudan in Juba on Tuesday.
This significant visit underscored the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to peace, development, and education in the country, strengthening the ties between the Vatican and the Catholic Church in South Sudan.
During his homily at the Catholic University campus, Archbishop Horgan encouraged the students to embrace the intellectual traditions of the Catholic Church and take pride in being part of the institution.
He reminded them that attending a Catholic university carries a unique responsibility, as it offers not just specialized knowledge but also an opportunity to search for deeper truths and moral values.
“We seek to understand more about ourselves and our relationship with God as His creation. The Catholic University should not only be a place of specialized learning but also a space for cultivating hope and a deeper search for what is true, good, and beautiful,” stated the Apostolic Nuncio. He further emphasized that students should encounter and engage with the Catholic philosophy of life, which serves as the core of their civilization.
His Grace Seamus also stressed the critical role of the Catholic University in shaping the future of South Sudan and the Church.
“I believe the Catholic University is vital for the future of both the Church and the country of South Sudan,” he noted.
The Nuncio commended the Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference for their vision in establishing the Catholic University, pledging his prayers for its continued prosperity.
The visit aimed to facilitate interaction between the Apostolic Nuncio and the university community, offering him an opportunity to meet with students and staff at the Juba campus. His presence was a source of encouragement and inspiration for those in attendance.