By Sr Laurencila, FSSA
Juba, January 31, 2026 – Archbishop Seamus Horgan, Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, has sent a message of encouragement to young people gathering for their annual assembly and festival in Ezo, calling them to become peacemakers in their families and communities.
The message, addressed to Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro of Tombura-Yambio, was sent ahead of today’s youth gathering at Regina Mundi Parish in the Ezo Vicariate. The event coincides with the feast day of St. John Bosco, the patron saint of youth, celebrated annually on January 31.
“I wanted to extend to all those present at this joyful event a warm greeting and the assurance of my prayers for the success of the encounter,” Archbishop Horgan wrote in his message.
The Apostolic Nuncio, who attended last year’s gathering in Yambio, expressed his spiritual solidarity with this year’s participants. He noted that St. John Bosco’s educational charism continues to inspire institutions worldwide, particularly in forming young people—both spiritually and academically—to become mature disciples.
This year’s assembly carries the theme “Youth together for peace and development,” reflecting the deep yearning for stability in South Sudan. Archbishop Horgan emphasized that the nation remains “athirst for peace” and urged young participants to take active roles in building it.
Quoting Pope Francis’s address to youth during the Jubilee celebration in Rome on October 7, 2024, the Nuncio encouraged the young people: “Let us listen to the voice of God within us and overcome our selfishness, becoming active artisans of peace.”
“That peace that is a gift from the risen Lord will become visible in the world through the common witness of those who carry his spirit in their hearts,” Archbishop Horgan wrote, extending his prayers for all participants in the youth assembly and festival.
The annual gathering brings together young Catholics from across the Tombura-Yambio diocese, providing a platform for spiritual formation, celebration, and dialogue on issues affecting youth in the region.
