Author|Chuol Jany|CRN – The Catholic Bishop of Geita Diocese in Tanzania, Rt. Rev. Flavian Matindi Kassala, has joined the ongoing Plenary Assembly of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSSCBC) in Malakal, representing the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA).
The annual plenary, which began on Monday, has brought together 10 bishops from Sudan and South Sudan, along with the Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, Archbishop Patrick Seamus Horgan. The gathering aims to strengthen unity among Church leaders and to reflect on their shared pastoral mission amid ongoing challenges in the region.
Speaking during the session, Bishop Kassala said his visit reflects the spirit of synodality — journeying together in both peace and hardship. He described his participation as a gesture of solidarity and fraternity with the people and Church of South Sudan.
“It is from this synodal spirit, now connected with the Jubilee Year, that I have come to visit our brother bishops and the people of South Sudan,” Bishop Kassala said. “We bring a message of peace and solidarity from AMECEA and the Bishops’ Conference of Tanzania. We pray that God may unite us as one family.”
The Secretary-General of the SSSCBC, Fr. Martin Ochaya, expressed gratitude for Bishop Kassala’s presence, describing it as a strong symbol of unity among the bishops of the region.
“The bishop is visiting his brother bishops of Sudan and South Sudan, who have gathered here in Malakal for their annual plenary,” Fr. Ochaya said. “His presence, especially in a town that has suffered so much from violence and war, brings encouragement and hope.”
Fr. Ochaya also thanked the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for its logistical support in facilitating the gathering.
“We appreciate the support of UNMISS, particularly the Civil Affairs Division, for providing transportation for the bishops and guests coming to Malakal,” he said. “Their assistance demonstrates a shared mission of peace — to be with the people, pray with them, console them, and give them hope.”
The plenary assembly continues in Malakal, focusing on themes of peacebuilding, pastoral collaboration, and the Church’s mission of unity across Sudan and South Sudan.