A priest in the catholic Diocese of Torit while preaching to the faithful on Monday says 2018 should be a year of peace and hard work in the state and the country as a whole.
Fr Anthony Odoemelam appeals to Christians to have hope for positive change in the country, Radio Emmanuel reports.
The priest encourages Christians to show good manners and stay away from peers who want to drive away their faith.
He advises Christians to clean their hearts to receive blessings from God.
Fr Odoemelam calls on the faithful to fear the Lord throughout their lives as the New Year has begun.
The priest calls on the government to work together with the church so as to develop South Sudan.
He was talking to the congregation at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Parish during the New Year mass in Torit on Monday.