PAPAL VISIT SOUTH SUDAN: Liturgically Prepared, Ready to Welcome the Holy Father: Church in South Sudan
Bishop Stephen Nyodho and Fr. Mathew Pagan
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
A day to his arrival in South Sudan, Church official in Charge of the ongoing liturgical preparation has revealed their readiness to welcome the Holy Father, and are set for the 3-day event.
Sharing with AMECEA online Thursday, February 2, at John Garang Mausoleum where Pope Francis will preside over Eucharistic celebration on his last day of ecumenical trip in South Sudan, the Deputy Chairperson of the Liturgical Committee of the visit of the Holy Father Rev. Fr. Mathew Pagan said, “So far concerning the liturgy, we are ready and 100% prepared to receive the Holy Father. We are only waiting for him with excitement, with open heart and love. ”
“Liturgy is the heart of Pope Francis’ visit and so it is a very important moment for us especially for our spiritual growth and for strengthening our faith,” Fr Pagan expounded concerning the nature of the committee adding the liturgical committee is happily waiting for his holiness being a moment of Grace and blessing for the country.
Fr Pagan revealed that there were two liturgical groups involved in the preparations: the Catholic Liturgical committee and the Ecumenical Liturgical Committee who collaborate towards the preparation of the upcoming prayer events.
Fr. Pagan who heads the Catholic University of South Sudan added further that the aspect of ecumenism has been realized during the liturgical preparation which in a way strengthens the bond of unity among Christians.
Even though for a number of years, Churches as well as Church leaders have been working together, the cleric said, “The level of this ecumenism which the Holy Father has taken is another step which has really encouraged the unity of Christians.”
According to Fr. Mathew Pagan, the event slated for Saturday, February 4, mainly for ecumenical prayer at John Garang Mausoleum that will be done by the combined choir together with Archbishop Welby and Rev. Wallace, will be the first of its kind in the country.
“During the ecumenical prayer, there will be a combined choir from the three different denominations: Catholic Church, Anglican Church, and Presbyterian Church,” Fr. Pagan disclosed and narrated, “The Ecumenical Prayer will begin with a convocation by the Presbyterian moderator, a reading by a Bishop from one of the Christian Churches, then a prayer by the Archbishop of Canterbury and The Holy Father will also give his address followed by other Church leaders who will offer their prayers.”
“This will be a very important moment for us because as Christians we believe in one God, one Christ and to live in Unity,” the Deputy Chairperson of the Liturgical Committee explained and appreciated the moments when various Churches have normally joined to tackle cross- cutting issues together including “living our Faith, evangelization, issues of peace and reconciliation as well as healing the country.”
On his part, Bishop Stephen Nyodho Ador the Deputy Chairperson for the Steering Committee preparing for the Pope’s visit shared with AMECEA online that as the liturgical preparations were moving on quite well, the team has built a wheelchair ramp to ease the movement of the Holy Father during prayer meetings.
