Sudan, South Sudan Bishops Launch 2026 countrywide Lenten Campaign

Author| Ginaba Lino| CRN – The Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference (SSSCBC) officially launched the second National Lenten Campaign 2026 on Sunday at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Kator, calling on Christians across the nation to embrace the sacred season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving with renewed commitment and hope.

The launch celebration brought together clergy, religious men and women, and lay faithful in a vibrant display of unity and devotion. The Holy Mass marked the beginning of the 40-day Lenten journey, a period of spiritual preparation leading to Easter.

Addressing the congregation on behalf of the bishops, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, Rt. Rev. Santo Laku Pio, underscored the spiritual significance of Lent as a time of renewal, repentance, and transformation.

“As we embark on this 40-day journey, we are called to renew our hearts and strengthen our faith,” Bishop Laku Pio said. “Lent is not merely a season on the Church calendar; it is an invitation to examine our lives, reconcile with one another, and draw closer to God. Together, we march toward Easter with hope and charity.”

Bishop Santo encouraged the faithful to approach the season with sincerity, embracing acts of sacrifice and compassion that reflect Christ’s love. He also reminded Christians that true fasting goes beyond abstaining from food—it includes turning away from sin, forgiving others, and standing in solidarity with those who suffer.

The National Lenten Campaign 2026 aims to mobilize Catholics across South Sudan and Sudan to actively participate in charitable works, support vulnerable communities, and strengthen their personal relationship with God through prayer and self-discipline. Parishes are expected to organize outreach programs, visit the sick, assist displaced families, and promote reconciliation initiatives at the grassroots level.

Also speaking at the event, Bishop Tombe Trille of EL Obied highlighted the communal dimension of Lent, describing it as a season that calls the Church to collective action.

“Our collective efforts during this sacred season can inspire positive change in our society and bring comfort to those in need,” he said. “When we pray together, fast together, and give together, we become a living witness of faith and a sign of hope for our nation.”

In a country facing ongoing humanitarian and social challenges, Church leaders stressed that the Lenten campaign is not only a spiritual exercise but also a practical response to the needs of communities. The bishops urged the faithful to foster peace, promote justice, and extend generosity to the most vulnerable, especially children, the elderly, and families affected by hardship.

The National Lenten Campaign 2026 will run throughout the Lenten season and conclude on Easter Sunday, with nationwide observances and charitable initiatives coordinated by dioceses and local parishes. Through this campaign, the SSSCBC hopes to deepen faith, strengthen unity within the Church, and encourage acts of love that will resonate far beyond the Easter celebrations.