The Catholic Church in Torit and in South Sudan has been visited by death during Lent in order to celebrate Easter and welcome the gift of peace.
Archbishop Paolino Lukudu Loro of Juba told the press Tuesday evening that the deaths of Bishop Akio Johnson Mutek and Fr Michael Okello were part of the celebration of Lent.He commented that the Church has been visited by death but is assured of God’s love.
Archbishop Lukudu said the untimely deaths should dispose the faithful to celebrate a beautiful Easter and gain the gift of peace.
The Metropolitan of the Catholic Church in South Sudan said he was in contact with the Pope’s envoy to South Sudan to nominate a diocesan administrator to run the diocese assisted by six consulters until the Vatican appointed a new bishop.
Archbishop Paolino said Bishop Akio’s body arrives at Juba International Airport on Thursday at 10:30 AM and will be brought to St Theresa’s Cathedral in Kator for a requiem mass before being flown to Torit.
The burial takes place Friday morning at St Peter and Paul Cathedral in Torit after a night of vigil and a requiem mass.