By Obiala Angel De-son – Torit
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Torit has appealed to believers and well-wishers within the diocese and across the state to support the completion of the renovation of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral prayer shelter.
His Lordship Bishop Emmanuel Bernardino Lowi Napeta encouraged Christians in the diocese to contribute even a small portion toward the remaining 3% needed to complete the prayer shelter, which currently serves worshippers during the rainy season.
“For me, I believe that we are not poor, but it is only the will. I believe our brothers in the Bishops’ Conference in the United States are not sleeping on money, but they sacrifice something small for the common love of the mission. From our part, to show love and maturity, we also have to do something. I appeal to all of us that we don’t need large amounts of money, just a small contribution, because we already have about 3%. The little we contribute will help cover the gap. Believers have been in water whenever they come for prayers.”
The Bishop acknowledged the difficult conditions worshippers face, especially during rainy seasons.
“Our shelter is also leaking, yet it has been accommodating people during prayers. Believers have been struggling to find a place to sit, and their attention is often distracted because the structure is just a temporary shelter. This is what really prompted me to act so that our believers have a proper place of worship.”
He noted that the cathedral has suffered repeated destruction over the 21 years of civil war, making worship conditions difficult.
“We lost our cathedral during the war struggle, and the old building was almost collapsing. Despite this, believers were still conducting prayers. Our brothers from America came in to support us. That is why I continue to encourage our people not to underestimate the small contributions we make to complete this shelter.”
The Catholic prelate expressed appreciation to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and commended His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, for facilitating support toward the renovation project.