SOUTH SUDAN: “Appreciate the Eucharist,” Prelate to Catholics Following Phased Reopening of Churches
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
As South Sudan eases Covid-19 restrictions leading to phased reopening of places of public worship, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala has urged the Catholic faithful in his Diocese to value more the Sacrament of the Eucharist which they have craved for in the past months.
In his sixth pastoral letter giving special directives to the faithful in Tambora-Yambio Diocese where he is the local Ordinary, Bishop Hiiboro has expressed that “it is with great joy…returning gradually to liturgical Ordinary Time.”
“The hunger we’ve experienced should make us appreciate the Eucharist all the more, as we realize better than ever how important it is to gather with our brothers and sisters in Christ and receive Him together,” Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro noted in the letter dated Saturday, August 1.
He added, “As we are slowly returning to the Altar, we can now discover anew how deeply satisfying is that eucharistic food and, hopefully, be more determined than ever to receive it every Sunday and well-prepared, not just out of habit.”
Bishop Hiiboro reminded the Christians that even though people could not physically attend Holy Mass as a measure to help curb the spread of Coronavirus, Holy Mass remains the highest form of prayer in the Catholic Church.
“Our highest prayer is the Mass: the Church’s offering of Christ to the Father in intercession for the needs of the world. We participate most fully in Christ’s self-giving by being present to each other and receiving Him into our own in communion,” the Bishop highlighted.
He added, “While necessary public health restrictions forced a long Eucharistic fast upon us – not just abstaining from earthly food for an hour before Holy Communion, but abstaining from our heavenly food itself for several months now – we are now free to return to the table of the Lord.”
According to the Bishop’s pastoral letter, all churches in the diocese will follow the directives given by the government through the Ministry of Health. Besides, the liturgical guidelines issued by the Church need to be adhered to “without exception.”
Additionally, Bishop Hiiboro explained, “The Diocesan Wellness Health Emergency Response Taskforce, has been responding effectively. The Covid-19 Workplace Safety Plan is being developed, consistent with Government directives, which include testing, reporting and notification action plan in the event that any staff member or student exhibits symptoms consistent with Covid-19.”
“My collaborators and I are doing all in our power to keep the clergy, staff, volunteers and faithful safe as we move forward and especially in this rainy season. However, I encourage you all to take your own steps to ensure you remain well,” the Prelate noted and adds that there is need to be “mindful of caring with compassion and charity for any persons in community who are aged, chronically ill and all those living in poverty and isolation. Let our love for them be real and concrete.”
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro proposed the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi that in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic, Christian faithful should remain instruments of peace to each other, giving hope and love.
