Let’s Embrace, Foster “collective spirit of the Synod on Synodality”: Cardinal in South Sudan to Pastoral Agents

Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Martin Mulla of South Sudan’s Catholic Archdiocese of Juba (Credit: Radio Bakhita)

The Local Ordinary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba in South Sudan has urged pastoral agents and the people of God in the country to embrace and foster the values of the multi-year Synod on Synodality.

In his opening remarks during the Fourth Archdiocesan Annual Pastoral Council on Monday, June 16, Stephen Cardinal Ameyu Mulla underscored the importance of inclusivity and active participation in Church activities and highlighted self-reliance and reconciliation as essential pillars of the Church and the nation.

“Every parishioner, no matter how young or old, has something valuable to contribute. We are called to be a church that genuinely listens and responds, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued,” Cardinal Ameyu said at the event organized under the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope in Conjunction with Synod on Synodality: Walking Together in Communion, Participation and Mission.”

The South Sudanese Cardinal added, “The spirit guides us through the journey of collaboration and discernment, an endeavor that requires humility, openness, and courage.”

He emphasized, “Let us embrace the collective spirit of the Synod on Synodality and actively involve our communities in this transformative journey,”

The South Sudanese Catholic Church leader, who has been at the helm of the Juba Archdiocese since his Installation in March 2020 reflected on self-reliance in Juba Archdiocese, the only Metropolitan See of the world’s newest nation that gained independence from Sudan in July 2011.

The goal of the self-reliance policy of Juba Archdiocese is not merely financial independence, but a commitment to empowering individuals and families, he said during the first day of the June 16 -21 event.

Cardinal Ameyu added, “The self-reliant policy must reflect our commitment to empowering individuals and families to become active participants in their development. By investing in education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship, we can equip our people with the tools they need to thrive.”

The South Sudanese Cardinal, whose transfer from Torit Diocese to Juba was met with resistance from a section of the Clergy and Laity of Juba Archdiocese challenged pastoral agents in his Metropolitan See to “create programs that address not only the immediate needs but also promote long-term sustainability.”

“Together we can cultivate a culture of resilience and empowerment where every individual can contribute to the betterment of our church and our society,” the Local Ordinary of Juba Archdiocese, who doubles as the President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) since his installation in January 2024 said.

He also called attention to the urgent need for reconciliation in South Sudan, saying, “In a nation still healing from the scars of conflict, reconciliation is more than a concept. It is a necessity.”

The Catholic Church leader, who was among the three Africans created Cardinals during the 30 September 2023 Consistory went on to link the Church’s physical development projects, including church buildings, schools, and healthcare centers to the broader spiritual task of fostering peace and dialogue.

“The most vital infrastructure we can build is that of the relationship. Through actions of love, kindness, and understanding, we can bridge divides and borders, promoting the spirit of coexistence that acknowledges our shared humanity,” Cardinal Ameyu said on June 16, the first of the six-day event.

He told the pastoral agents that “our call to love must extend beyond mere words. It must manifest in action that contributes to healing and respiration.”

“As we embark on this journey of rebuilding, let us commit ourselves to embracing the marginalized, advocating for justice, and promoting an ethos of love,” Cardinal Ameyu said.

Source: https://www.aciafrica.org/news/16135/lets-embrace-foster-collective-spirit-of-the-synod-on-synodality-cardinal-in-south-sudan-to-pastoral-agents