Visit of Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ
By Nicodemus Mutunga, SJ
Before becoming a cardinal in October 2019, Michael Czerny, SJ served as prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, specifically focusing on migrants and refugees. Over a decade ago, he worked in our province, where he founded the African Jesuit AIDS Network and taught at Hekima University College.
In February, Cardinal Czerny visited our province once again. He was hosted by the Malakal Diocese, led by His Eminence Stephen Nyodho. The main aim of his visit was to deliver the Pope’s message of hope and perseverance to refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons in the Diocese. His special message to the refugees was that they should not lose hope for they are not alone. At Renk (the border between Sudan and South Sudan), one of the busiest entry points for refugees fleeing the insurgency in Sudan, he was welcomed by our own Fr. Frederick Meela, SJ and other JRS staff. He also visited JRS works at Renk, encouraging the staff to continue their good work.
The Visit of the Bishops and St. Mark Parish handover
The long-awaited handover of Renk and Malakal parishes from the Costi Pastoral Region, attached to Khartoum, to Malakal parish finally happened on the second Sunday of Lent. This event was graced by the visit of two bishops: Stephen Nyodho from Malakal and Daniel Marco Kur Adwok, Auxiliary Bishop of Khartoum.
St. Mark Parish, which covers the entire Maban Region, has 47 outstations. The Mass was presided over outside St. Mark Catholic Church due to the large number of congregants and the size of the church. It is one of the remaining permanent and used church structures among the three built by the missionaries hence it’s the only permanent structure in the 47 outstations. The bishops thanked JRS for their support towards pastoral work among the people and particularly appreciated the assistance provided by the Jesuits to St. Mark Parish. We pray that the new bishop will bring some light to the vast and green St. Mark Parish.
Opening Mass at St. Mark Primary School
St. Mark Parish operates a primary school with full support from well-wishers. Despite lacking any classroom buildings, it remains one of the best and most cherished schools in Bunj. With the growing number of pupils and the lack of infrastructure and teachers, it faces challenges competing with other well-established schools especially in cities. On Thursday, the 7th, St. Mark Primary School gathered for its first school opening Mass, presided over by Abuna Meela.
