Author|Ginaba Lino|CRN
The Catholic bishops from dioceses across South Sudan have convened in Juba for a three-day Ecclesiastical Province Meeting, calling for prayer, reflection and renewed pastoral commitment as the country prepares for its anticipated first general elections.
The meeting, which brings together bishops, priests, religious leaders and Church partners, opened on Wednesday Chaired by the Bishop of Wau Diocese daubled as the Vice President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC), HL. Matthew Remijio Adam.
Addressing participants, Bishop Remijio expressed gratitude to clergy, religious congregations and lay faithful for their continued support of the Church’s mission, urging them to remain united in serving communities across the country.
“We acknowledge your presence here and the vital support that you are giving to our local Church in your different capacities. We appreciate your closeness to our local people and especially to our flock, and we encourage you to work in collaboration and coordination to support the local Church. We have been given the responsibility to serve as shepherds in this country.”
The bishop also recognized the contribution of the SSS-CBC Secretariat and its collaborators, saying their efforts help the bishops effectively carry out their pastoral responsibilities.
Bishop Remijio described the meeting as particularly significant as South Sudan approaches a critical period marked by uncertainty over the planned elections.
“This meeting is very special because we are in the vigil of the so-called election. We do not know whether it will take place or not, but our reflections together, coming together to pray for our country and reflect as bishops and shepherds, are very important.”
He emphasized that the bishops have gathered not for themselves but on behalf of the faithful, seeking God’s guidance to address the challenges facing the nation and provide pastoral direction to their congregations.
“We are not here only for ourselves, but we are here on behalf of all the flock. We come and pray, we come and reflect, we come together to listen to one another in order to come out with priorities and with a message that can really address the current situation.”
The three-day meeting is expected to focus on peacebuilding, pastoral priorities, national reconciliation and the role of the Church in accompanying the people of South Sudan during the country’s political transition. The bishops are also expected to issue a pastoral message at the conclusion of the gathering.
Bishop Remijio officially declared the 2026 Ecclesiastical Province Meeting open, calling on participants to use the occasion for prayer, reflection and mutual listening in service of the Church and the nation.