By Emmanuel Mandella
In a vital step toward peace and reconciliation, the Sudan and South Sudan Bishops Conference, in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY), launched a capacity-building program on Tuesday focused on trauma healing and reconciliation for catechists serving across multiple dioceses.
The gathering brought together catechists from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish in Maridi, Nazareth Catholic Parish in Nagero County, St. Mary Catholic Parish in Tombura County, Nzara, and various parishes across Yambio County. The opening ceremony was held at Palica Center in Nzara County, the hub for catechist training under CDTY.
Fr. John Gbemboyo, Pastoral Coordinator of CDTY and representative at the Sudan and South Sudan Bishops Conference head office in Juba, shared the program’s origins stating that.
“We initiated this project two years ago, but funding was only recently secured,” Fr. Gbemboyo explained. “The program currently targets three dioceses: Wau, Tombura-Yambio, and Malakal. We’ve completed training in Wau, and now Tombura-Yambio is the second to host these activities.”
He stressed the critical role catechists play in their communities. “Catechists live among the people; they have families and understand the daily struggles. Though not always the first to preach, they are seen as God’s messengers and trusted advisors during conflicts. This makes trauma healing and reconciliation vital for their work.”
Though nearly 1,000 catechists serve the diocese, the program begins with a smaller group, aiming to expand and train more over time. The goal is clear: to help catechists heal themselves first, so they can effectively guide and support their communities ravaged by years of war and family conflicts.
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, speaking at the event, expressed profound gratitude and encouragement:
“I am truly grateful to God for bringing us together today. The work you do as catechists is the foundation of the Church, especially here in South Sudan where
You have kept faith alive during our darkest days. Priests alone cannot reach everyone you are the lifeblood of our Church.”
He urged the catechists to embrace healing as a journey in all their activities.
“Trauma doesn’t vanish overnight. Healing takes time, but when you heal, you will heal others. This program will equip you to extend your healing work beyond these walls, reaching the many communities in need.”
Catechists themselves welcomed the initiative. Khamis Undoko Sasa from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish reflected,
“This training helps us understand our own pain and prepares us to support others. It is a powerful step toward peace.”
Elizeo Beneko, representing Nagero County a region deeply affected by tribal conflict and displacement since 2021 added,
“Many faithful have been displaced due to clashes between the Azande and Balanda communities. This program is essential for us to cope with trauma and bring hope back to our people.”
Bishop Hiiboro closed with a call to collective faith and resilience:
“Let us move forward together in faith, hope, and healing. Together, we will free our country from pain, violence, and mental wounds that affect every aspect of our lives.”
