Easter celebrations
By Nicodemus Mutunga, SJ
Easter celebrations in Maban are eagerly awaited, with Christians walking alongside Christ throughout the entire Lenten season. The Holy Week commenced with the celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Just as Christians worldwide prepared eagerly for this significant day, the faithful in Maban also anticipated it with great excitement. This year marked the second time we celebrated Passion Sunday at Nila outstation, and the faithful were somewhat familiar with the liturgy of the day. I overheard one comment from a faithful member, ‘At least this time, we have found a very friendly donkey.’ It was a memorable and symbolic celebration as Abuna rode on a donkey, and we joyously sang towards Jerusalem, the prepared place under the tree where Mass is always celebrated.
Despite the large number of Christians in need of initiation sacraments, there is a significant challenge in training catechumens. Most of the catechists in Maban are Christian volunteers who lack proper training. Another major challenge is the language barrier, as most catechists cannot read and write Arabic, making it difficult to instruct catechism classes to catechumens. Despite these challenges, we managed to have around 100 new baptisms during the Easter vigil. During this Easter season, there were few movements to outstations as the Easter break was very short and the fact that we always rely on the few JRS vehicles which are busy with other activities.
In Torbama, the Easter celebration lacked the vibrant energy of Christmas festivities. However, on Easter Sunday, we headed to Torbama, an outstation located an hour’s walk from Chettah outstation. It was a great joy for us, as the river had no water to hinder our crossing. Torbama is also well-known for its large cassava plantations. Christians eagerly awaited the Mass celebration. One old lady approached Abuna in front of everyone and expressed her desire to be baptized. It was a moving experience to see her express her desire in the Mabanese language, which no Abuna could understand.
It has been almost a year since Sudan faced a political crisis, forcing people to flee to South Sudan as refugees and returnees. Most of these refugees enter the country through Upper Nile State and find their way to the four refugee camps in Maban. JRS, among other humanitarian agencies, has the mandate to help refugees adjust to the environment, provide for their needs, integrate, heal, and give hope. However, this task is complex and almost impossible for those who have lost loved ones and all they had. JRS devises various programs to serve, accompany, and advocate for refugees and returnees.
Education is one of the most affected areas of human growth and development when a crisis like the one in Sudan occurs. Additionally, refugees find themselves in Maban, where the education system is almost non-operational due to lack of infrastructure and trained personnel. JRS has implemented various programs, including English and Computer courses, to address this situation for both refugees and the host community.
JRS South Sudan has been without a country director for some time, which has slowed down various operations and programs. Finally, the organization now enjoys the presence and leadership of Mr. George Wesonga, a gentleman with significant experience in the humanitarian sector. The new country director visited us and engaged in lengthy discussions with staff, listening to their views and vision for JRS.”
