Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rumbek (Fides Service)- “With very short notice I was invited by my old friend Bishop Cesare Mazzolari, to take part in 25th anniversary celebrations in his diocese of Rumbek in South Sudan” says Jesuit Father Angelo d’Agostino in an article published by CISA new agency in Nairobi. “No small incentive was the chance to visit the intrepid missionary of my early days in Africa with the Jesuit Refugee Service, Fr. Sal Ferrao, who has been working there for 2 years. It was a heart warming experience seeing how much he has accomplished along with Fr. Joe Rodriguez and Brother Herbert - and the energetic scholastic Joseph Kiarie whose work with development and sports for young people has shown remarkable results already during his short stay.
“Rumbek is replete with international NGOs and UN groups, with remarkable communication facilities and potential. But despite a recent rainy season, it was uncomfortably hot most of the time and dry and dusty. The people are of the unique Dinka tribe - tall, very dark, regal and refined, with a history of much oppression from the North.
“The first function was an evening of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the cathedral - all painted yellow, for the occasion, I presume. This was followed by an hour of historical reviews of the diocese by the four bishops who were present. An old friend from the 1980s, Bishop Paride Taban, now retired, is building a Village of Peace on the Sudan and Ethiopian border in keeping with his own extraordinary record of service to the people.
“The next morning, an outdoor liturgy to commemorate Bishop Taban's 25th anniversary as a bishop was attended by hundreds of local people and was followed by local cultural events. On Sunday we went to the airstrip and waited for the Cardinal Archbishop of Khartoum, Gabriel Zabir Wako; it was a sight to behold. Hundreds of local dancers jumping high as is their custom, many UN aircrafts coming and going, hundreds of missionaries of many different orders; but the highlight was a remarkable, complete brass band resplendently arrayed in the red, gold and grey uniform of the South Korean military. This extraordinary group of about 25 young men were organized, trained and equipped by an enthusiastic, unassuming young South Korean Salesian priest, Fr. John Lee of Tonj. The liturgy presided over by Cardinal Wako was also outdoor and was blessed at the very beginning by a surprise short but refreshing shower. His remarks were most apt: The importance of the Eucharist for unity, peace and spiritual growth, and the evils of polygamy - something that only a native can express publicly for fear of a cultural backlash. I was given a certificate in recognition of the JRS contribution to the Church of Southern Sudan. Several governmental and local dignitaries gave appropriate speeches, after which there was drama and dance. The throng - of probably up to two thousand people - was all given a hearty lunch after the four hour ceremony. Dinner with the Jesuit community at one of the few restaurants in town was a pleasant repast by candlelight. The community liturgy on Monday morning was most meaningful, with Fr. Ludwig, the non-Jesuit guest, presiding. After what appeared to be haphazard arrangement, the flight back to Nairobi aboard a Russian plane with a Russian crew was marred by a frighteningly hard landing at Lokichogio, after which the pilot came out and in broken English said: "No problem." We did arrive at Wilson at about 8.00 pm - intact. Deo Gratias! Thanks and congratulations to Bishop Mazzolari for his great service to the people of God in Sudan as well as the nascent Jesuit Community.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 14/12/2005 righe 34 parole 420)
