AMECEA: Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya calls for Peace in South Sudan

The
Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya Most Rev. Charles Daniel Balvo has called the
disagreeing parties in South Sudan to come together and work out their
differences without resorting to violence.

Apostolic Nuncio with AMECEA Secretary General
Fr. Lugonzo (left), Fr. Patrick Nyongesa Rector Bakanja College,
Fr. Jude Waweru, AMECEA Justice & Peace Desk and Fr. Chrisantus
Ndaga, AMECEA Social Communications Coordinator.

The
Apostolic nuncio made this call during his official visit to AMECEA
Secretariat on Wednesday 18th December, 2013.  “It is disheartening to read news
of violence at any time,” he said adding that  “I know that it is not easy to overcome
differences but it is my hope that those who are disagreeing can somehow come
to an agreement for the good of the people,” he said.

He
asked that as the world is celebrating the birth of the prince of peace,
hopefully the people of South Sudan will find a real reconciliation of their
differences and a lasting peace.

This
is first time for Most Rev Balvo to visit AMECEA secretariat since his arrival
in Kenya in June, 2013. The Nuncio’s visit coincided with an official closing
Mass of Christmas recess in which he was the Main celebrant. 
Apostolic Nuncio and Fr. Lugonzo During Eucharistic
Celebrations at AMECEA Secretariat Chapel

The
Apostolic Nuncio conveyed his best wishes messages to Secretariat staff as they
were closing the secretariat for Christmas holidays. “In many different parts
of the world there are all sorts of traditions and everyone is up and about around
Christmas but the most important thing to remember is the reason why we
celebrate which is the gift of God to us, the gift of God’s son and I think
whatever it is we must do in our families to celebrate the day, the most
important thing is to really remember what it is for; this great act of God
for us,” he said.

The
Apostolic further assured the secretariat staff that the door to the Nunciature’s
office would always be open to them and in whatever way they would try to be of
assistance to them. “One of the things that Pope Francis is certainly
insisting very much on is to realize that what we do should be of the
service to the people,” he said.
Group Photo of Apostolic Nuncio and AMECEA
Staff Members together with some invited guests

AMECEA
Secretary General Fr Lugonzo explained to him that AMECEA, being an Association
of Bishops in Eastern Africa is founded on three pillars: Communion among
Bishops, Cooperation and Solidarity  in
addressing common issues of pastoral concern in the region. “It is the duty of
the secretariat to help the Bishops build these three pillars,” he said.

AMECEA
Secretary General Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo thanked the Apostolic Nuncio for
honoring the invitation to come to the secretariat. “The secretariat is privileged to have You around this time as we
know that this is only the beginning of your visit to our Offices,” he said
adding that “We wish you Merry Christmas and A blessed New Year 2014.”
SOURCE: AMECEA Social
Communications

 

 

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