By Baraka John
His Grace Seamus Horgan Patrick, the First Residential Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of South Sudan, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, arrived in Yambio to celebrate the beginning of the jubilee year with the Christian community at the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio.
His arrival was met with vibrant celebrations and profound hope as His Grace Horgan stepped off the plane at Yambio airstrip. The atmosphere was charged with joy as parishioners, priests, nuns, and other religious leaders, including those from the Episcopal Church of the Internal Province of Western Equatoria, gathered to extend a heartfelt welcome.
His Grace Horgan’s visit, which will span seven days, carries the resonating theme of “Jubilee of Hope.” This carefully chosen theme underscores the profound message of reconciliation, solidarity, unity, peace, holiness, resilience, and hard work, all vital elements in the healing journey of South Sudan.
Addressing the journalists at Yambio airstrip shortly upon his arrival, His Grace Seamus Horgan said his visit is not merely ceremonial; but it is a reflection of the Vatican’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s long path toward reconciliation and unity. His Grace emphasized the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of challenges and highlighted that the Church’s mission in South Sudan is not just about religious duty but about fostering a shared sense of hope for all citizens, regardless of faith or denomination.
“Because we have entered 2025, which is a jubilee year, and the Pope has asked us to make this year of hope in our Christian community, in our diocese, and in this Country. And we certainly need that hope which comes from the faith of the Lord”. Horgan said
His Grace Horgan activities throughout the week will involve engaging deeply with local clergy and religious leaders, creating opportunities for open dialogue, and participating in collaborative peace building efforts. He will also meet with community members in both Yambio and Nzara counties, where he will promote continued solidarity and unity across South Sudan’s diverse communities. He is expected to lead prayer services, engage in interfaith dialogues, and encourage collective efforts toward rebuilding a fractured society.
Meanwhile the Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Tombura Yambio, Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala said the Apostolic Nuncio’s visit reinforces the message of resilience, saying the Nuncio visit is a call on the people of South Sudan to see hope even in their lives knowing that peace and unity are possible through collective effort.
“We are happy to have you here among us, His Grace, and we take this as God’s provident, God’s blessing that you come here as an ambassador of peace representing our Holy Father with your first pastoral visit to this diocese of Tombura Yambio. Your diocese, which is here, is a diocese that collaborates together with all sisterly Churches here and also our brothers, the Muslim community”. Hiiboro lamented
Following the country’s independence in 2011 and subsequent internal conflicts, the Church has been a steady force for peace, offering both spiritual and practical support to the population. Now, with the appointment of a resident Apostolic Nuncio, this partnership between the Vatican and South Sudan enters a new phase, where the Church’s role in peace-building and social reconciliation is poised to grow even more influential.