SOUTH SUDAN: Department of Integral Human Development Justice & Peace Commission Leads Lenten Initiative for Healing and Social Justice
Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
The Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishop’s Conference (SSSCBC), through Caritas South Sudan and Integral Human Development and Justice and Peace Commission on 7th Friday 2025 has launched the First National Lenten Campaign under the theme: Holiness of Life, Reconciliation and Healing, Social Justice, Livelihood, and Environmental Care.
In a message signed by Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio who doubles as chairperson of the Human Integral Human Development and the President of Caritas South Sudan, the prelates encouraged the faithful to deepen their relationship with God through prayer and seeking both personal and communal renewal, to foster reconciliation and healing by embracing forgiveness and working towards lasting peace, advocating for justice and upholding human dignity.
The Conference has also encouraged them to support the marginalized and ensure fairness in all aspect of life, promoting sustainable livelihoods by investing in self-reliance, particularly through agriculture and economic empowerment, and caring for the environment as responsible stewards of creation, in response to Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’.
The bishops further called on all the faithful to take up the “Each One Help One” approach—where every person extends a helping hand to another, especially the poor, the sick, and the suffering. Let us share our resources, however little, so that no one in our communities is left behind”.
The SSSCBC statement continues, “Pope Francis reminds us: “Lent is a time to reaffirm our faith, to draw from the ‘living water’ of hope, and to receive with open hearts the love of God, the Bible teaches us: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9), and Caritas Internationalis calls us: “Charity is at the heart of the Church’s social mission. It is a sign of faith and hope for a better world.”
