Women Religious from Sudan, South Sudan Renew Commitment to Justice, Peace amid Conflict, Environmental Challenges

Photo Credit: Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA)

Through discussions and shared experiences, the Catholic Sisters identified key challenges that the people of God in South Sudan and Sudan confront, including child and forced marriages, tribalism, gender-based violence, displacement, corruption, historical injustices, and the continued non-payment of government employees' salaries.

According to the report, these conversations highlighted the close relationship between social injustice, conflict, and human suffering while reaffirming the role of women Religious as agents of reconciliation and hope.

On the fourth day, Sr. Elena Balatti led sessions on climate change, environmental sustainability, and resource management through the lens of Pope Francis’ May 2015 Encyclical Letter on care for our common home, Laudato Si’.

Credit: ACWECA

Participants reflected on environmental challenges affecting Sudan and South Sudan, including deforestation, charcoal production, flooding, water scarcity, pollution, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

The report says the sessions emphasized that care for creation cannot be separated from the promotion of human dignity and social justice, encouraging the Catholic Sisters to integrate environmental stewardship into their pastoral ministry.

A key outcome of the workshop was the development of JPIC action plans tailored to the South Sudan Sisters Association (SSSA). 

Working in groups according to the Dioceses where they serve, participants identified priority issues in their local contexts and designed practical interventions focusing on advocacy, peacebuilding, environmental conservation, community awareness, and collaboration with local stakeholders.

The workshop concluded with a pilgrimage to Rajaf Cemetery, where participants honoured women Religious who lost their lives while serving the people of God in South Sudan.

Led by the SSSA Chairperson, Mother Felicita Humusara of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SHS), the pilgrimage included moments of reflection on the witness of the deceased Sisters, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at Rajaf Parish, and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony that reaffirmed the participants' commitment to peace and care for the environment.

Credit: ACWECA

The report notes that the participation of the two Sisters serving in Sudan gave the workshop a significant regional dimension. 

Ongoing conflict has displaced many members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSAL) from their missions in Sudan, while heavy rains complicated travel. 

In South Sudan, insecurity on major roads required participants travelling from outside Juba to fly to the training venue, substantially increasing logistical costs.

Credit: ACWECA

Despite these challenges, the report shared with ACI Africa on July 23 says the Catholic Sisters' determination to gather for formation reflected their resilience and unwavering commitment to serving communities affected by conflict and displacement.

As the workshop concluded, participants returned to their respective communities with renewed commitment to promoting justice, peace, human dignity, and care for creation, reflecting ACWECA's vision of empowering consecrated women for deeper evangelization in the region, the report indicates.

Sr. Grace Muthike of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart (DSH) contributed to this story.

Source: https://www.aciafrica.org/news/23121/women-religious-from-sudan-south-sudan-renew-commitment-to-justice-peace-amid-conflict-environmental-challenges