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By: Ginaba Lino
A German Catholic delegation visiting Upper Nile State has brought a message of hope, courage and solidarity to displaced families at the Holy Family Parish in the Malakal Protection of Civilians (POC) site, assuring them that their suffering, faith and resilience will not be forgotten.
The delegation, led by Archbishop Stefan Burger of Freiburg and Fr. Dr. Andreas Frick, Director of Misereor, Katherina Goette, Misereor Desk Officer for South Sudan; Uwe Bergmeier, Head of Dialogue and Partnership Services; and Ita Reilly, Misereor Translator, joined Bishop Stephen Nyodho Ador Majwok of the Catholic Diocese of Malakal and the congregation for Holy Mass on Sunday.
Addressing the congregation, Fr. Frick said his visit to South Sudan had strengthened his admiration for a country he described as one of hope and solidarity despite the challenges facing its people.
“Perhaps I’ve seen 47 countries in the world, but I love your country with all the challenges because it’s a country of hope and solidarity,” Fr. Frick said.
He said the delegation was grateful to be welcomed into the community, describing the POC as a place that is part of the Kingdom of God.
“We are happy that we are invited by Bishop Stephen, Archbishop Stephen, myself and the delegation, because it’s your home and it’s part of the Kingdom of God,” he said.
Fr. Frick said the delegation had witnessed both the natural beauty of South Sudan and the achievements of its people in culture, construction, education and agriculture.
However, he acknowledged that violence continues to destroy lives and undermine the progress made by communities across the country.
“We are part of a solidarity, Misereor and German Church, to learn and to be helpful in your engagement, in your hope,” he said.
He assured the displaced families that Misereor and the German Catholic Church would continue to remember their needs and experiences.
As a symbol of hope, Fr. Frick presented a small candle to the community, linking its light to Christ, whom he described as the source of hope and new life.
“The risen Lord will give us home, family, protection, nutrition, and to go ahead, and we will see other miracles of the Lord,” he said.
“Only a small candle, but full of hope, and the light of the Lord will never miss,” Fr. Frick added.
Archbishop Stefan Burger thanked the congregation for attending Mass and commended them for holding on to their faith despite the challenges they have faced.
“Thank you for your faith, for the love you all carry in your hearts. I now also carry your faith, love and hope in my heart,” Archbishop Burger said.
He told the congregation that the delegation would carry their faith and experiences beyond South Sudan.
“And we all together carry Jesus in our hearts. We carry him jointly in our heart,” he said.
The archbishop prayed for God’s continued protection and peace for the displaced community.
“May he bless you and look after you. And may he let his presence be upon you. And may he give you peace that only he can give you,” he said.
The visit offered the displaced community in Malakal a strong message of solidarity from the Catholic Church in Germany, while reaffirming the Church’s commitment to accompanying communities affected by conflict and supporting their hope for peace and a better future.