The newly appointed parish priest of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Father Edward Anthony, has warned that hunger is a growing threat to peace and harmony within communities, saying it can cause disorder and breakdown in family relationships.
Delivering his first homily during the celebration of the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ on Sunday, Fr. Edward emphasized the importance of food both physical and spiritual in sustaining human dignity and unity.
“No one can concentrate when there is no food in the family,” he said, highlighting the impact of hunger on family stability and individual focus.
“Even the simplest food, if not available, can cause a family to lose respect for one another,” Fr. Edward added.
Saints Peter and Paul Parish, established in 1998, has been a cornerstone of faith in the region for more than 26 years. However, the parish continues to struggle with Low Sunday mass attendance, a concern Fr. Edward hopes to address during his pastoral service.
Meanwhile the matron of Mother of Mercy Hospital, Sister Annita Cecilia, has confirmed the presence of cholera cases in the Nuba Mountains. Sister Annita urged the local community to take immediate precautions by boiling all water collected from wells or rivers before consumption. “Cholera is a serious disease that spreads through contaminated water. Boiling drinking water is a simple but effective step to protect families,” she warned.
Local health officials and the parish leadership are calling on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate in promoting both physical and spiritual well-being during these challenging times.
Fr. Edward, in Saints Peter & Paul Parish in April for a major feast of diaconate ordination in the Nuba Mounts region.