Vatican: Spiritual Retreat of Southern Sudanese Leaders April 10-11

Renato Martinez – Vatican City

The director "Ad interim" Alessandro Gisotti, of the Holy See's Press Office, said Tuesday, April 9 that Pope Francis had approved the proposal presented by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to organize a spiritual retreat at the Vatican, in the Domus Sanctae Marthaeon April 10 and 11, 2019, with the participation of the highest civil and ecclesiastical authorities of Southern Sudan.

Participation of civil and religious authorities

In addition, the director "Ad interim" the press office announced that, from the civil authorities, members of the Presidency of the Republic of South Sudan will participate in this event which, in accordance with Revitalized agreement on resolving the conflict in South SudanAssume the high commissions of national responsibility on May 12: Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic, four of the five vice-presidents appointed: Mr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, Mr. James Wani Igga, Mr. Taban Deng Gai and Mrs. Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior. The eight members of the Council of Churches of Southern Sudan will participate in the retreat of the ecclesiastical authorities of the country. The preachers of the retreat will be HE Msgr. John Baptist Odama, Archbishop of Gulu (Uganda), and Reverend P. Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, S.J., President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar.

Opportunity for reflection, prayer, meeting and reconciliation

This event – says Alessandro Gisotti – is both ecumenical and diplomatic – is organized by mutual agreement between the Secretary of State and the Archbishop's Office of Canterbury, with the aim of providing an opportunity for reflection. and reflection. prayer, meeting and reconciliation, in a spirit of respect and trust, to those who currently have the mission and responsibility to work for a future of peace and prosperity for the people of Southern Sudan.

Thursday 11, the Holy Father will deliver his speech

The last moment of retirement – concludes the note from the press office – will take place in the afternoon of Thursday, December 11, at 17:00, when the Holy Father will deliver his speech. Participants will then receive the Bible signed by Pope Francis, His Excellency Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Rev. Fr. John Chalmers, former moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, with the message: "Find what unites." He goes beyond what he divides. "In conclusion, the blessing will be pbaded on to Southern leaders. -Sudan, who will badume a common commitment to peace.

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Vatican: Spiritual Retreat of Southern Sudanese Leaders