The Sudanese Bishops at their last meeting in Jubathis May have outlined a program and prayer in the lead-up to becoming the world’s newest nation on July 9th.
The campaign is launched on Saturday May 28th with Eucharistic processions. The next day Sunday 29th becomes a Day of Reconciliation as described
“Preaching on reconciliation at all levels social, political and religious. Reconciliation among tribes – mending differences through traditional and religious reconciliation rituals and symbols”.
On Pentecost Day there will be blessing and planting of trees as symbols of new birth. Dioceses, families, institutions, school, and parishes will be encouraged to plant a tree.
Some trees will produce medicine, a sign of healing from trauma and war. Other trees will give fruit as signs of hope and promise.
On June 29th a novena will focus on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Please join them in your prayer. There have been some violent incidents in the border areas over the past 5 months. They pray for peace, courage and hope.
Parishes, schools, agencies and households are invited to pray for them in their times of prayer and in their Eucharistic prayers of the faithful. The set prayer below may be helpful for those wishing to incorporate prayer for Sudan into their times of prayer.
Prayer for the Republic of South Sudan
God of Mercies, we thank you for your great love for us.
We ask you to guide our leaders in the process of nation building.
Grant them wisdom, compassion and fortitude.
Loving God, give us courage to reject ethnic resentment
as well as ethnic conflicts.
Through the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita, help us
to overcome hurt, hostility and bitterness in our hearts
so that we become reconciled citizens in our new nation.
Renew in us the will for honest and hard work,
and bring us closer to you in the spirit of service,
unity and lasting peace.
Lord, we pray for our heroes, our martyrs and all innocent people
who died during the long years of war.
We pray in thanksgiving for all those who stood by us
in solidarity to bring about peace.
Unite us from every tribe, tongue and people.
Send your Holy Spirit upon us and may your will be done in us.
God bless our new nation;
Bless theRepublic of South Sudan.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Catholic Justice and Peace Commission of Brisbane 