The Catholic Bishop of Rumbek Christian Carlassare has led pilgrims from Lakes state to attend the visit of Pope Francis to Juba on Friday this week.
Bishop Carlassare describes the nine day journey as a dividend of peace in South Sudan to arrive in Juba safely this morning.
A total of 84 pilgrims walked the distance of 418 kilometres (260 miles) in 9 days. Some shed tears of joy on arriving in the national capital saying their dream to see the Pope has come true.
Bishop Christian Carlassare says the journey is walking for Peace to promote a sense of unity, coexistence and spiritual love among Christians and communities.
“It has been the beautiful experience of communion. We left on January 25th it was also the day of prayers for peace and unity. We received the blessing from the communities as we are not walking by our own but we are walking on behalf of all the Christians in the Diocese of Rumbek,” Bishop Christain said.
One of the pilgrims, Adak Paul Manyany, says the road was very safe and sharing the joyful journey with communities along the way was an amazing experience.
She says coming to South Sudan is a blessing to the country and peace will prevail through his prayers.
Catholic Sister Hola who was among the pilgrims says the Pope’s visit is an opportunity of a life time for young people to show the world their unity.
She says many negative stories about South Sudan should end and people should focus on peace and development.
“This is an opportunity in a life time, we are not going to get this again and the young people have got sense to church, God and community.
So why not show the world that we are united? So many negative stories about south Sudan but this are hopefully story of hope and peace that the young people desire for peace for the future.” Sister Hola says.
Pope Francis is expected to Land in Juba international airport tomorrow Friday 3rd afternoon for his ecumenical peace pilgrimage to South Sudan after a 3 day visit to DR.Congo