“The Church Is Christ’s Voice in the World Today”, Says Cardinal Wako at the Golden Jubilee of National Eucharistic Congress Celebration

 “The Church Is Christ’s Voice in the World Today”, Says Cardinal Wako at the Golden Jubilee of National Eucharistic Congress Celebration

By Baraka John

Thousands faithful on Sunday 24th Nov 2024, celebrated a momentous occasion of the anniversary of the establishment of the local Church in Sudan and the Hierarchy of South Sudan, known as the Golden Jubilee of the National Eucharistic Congress, underscoring the strength, unity, and continued growth of the Catholic Church in both Sudan and South Sudan.

The Mass was presided over by Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako, the first South Sudanese to be elevated to the rank of Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Wako, who also serves as Archbishop Emeritus of Khartoum, led the faithful in a profound reflection on the significance of the anniversary and the call for unity within the Church.

“The whole Church in our country has come together to profess its faith in Jesus Christ, the blessed God of heaven. This is the Christ whom we receive in the Holy Communion,” Cardinal Wako said during his homily.  He added, “We gather also to renew our commitment to humanity. The sacrament that Jesus gave us unites us with Himself, reminding us that the Church is not just ‘our’ Church. Christ calls us to be His voice in the world today.”

The celebration also coincided with the Feast of Christ the King, an important event in the Catholic liturgical calendar. Established by Pope Pius XI in 1925, the feast honors the divine kingship of Jesus Christ over the universe. It serves as a reminder to the faithful of Christ’s sovereignty, both as fully divine and fully human, and invites all to reflect on His eternal reign.

The event brought together a number of prominent bishops from the region, including His Eminence Berhacyesus Cardinal Demerrew, Archbishop of Addis Ababa and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Ethiopia; Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Solwezi in Zambia and President of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in East Africa (AMECEA); Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kotido in Uganda; as well as delegates from ten Catholic dioceses across South Sudan.

South Sudanese government official Governor Augustino Jadala Wani described the day as a moment to strengthen and renew the faith of South Sudan’s people. He also urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of the people over their personal interests, emphasizing the importance of unity and service in national leadership.

The National Eucharistic Congress was celebrated under the theme "One body one spirit in Christ, Eph 4:4".

powerful symbol of unity, thanksgiving, and continued mission as the Church in Sudan and South Sudan strives to serve, promote peace, and strengthen the faith of its people.