Congratulations to the people of South Sudan who yesterday celebrated the birth of a new nation. The Holy See sent a special delegation for the occasion to offer their best wishes for peace and prosperity. The Holy See has also indicated that it will give due consideration to any request from the new Government for diplomatic representation.
A few years ago, when staying at the Domus Romana in Rome, I met Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako of Khartoum in the lift after breakfast. Having read some of his powerful and hope-filled addresses, thanks to Aid to the Church in Need, I considered it a great privilege to be able even briefly to offer an expression of esteem for his apostolic witness. He was on Vatican Radio yesterday speaking about the birth of the new nation
2 comments:
Yes, happy birthday to South Sudan. What will happen to the episcopal conference there I wonder? Will it split?
Shane.
I remember a great friend of my father - one Kevin Hayes who was a judge in the Sudan. Prior to independence he wrote to his brother about what a mistake was being made in not splitting the country into two. Unfortunately his brother publicised these letters by sending them to the Daily Telegraph and Kevin was forced to resign - but how right he was!
I travelled to Juba in 1962. I recently googled Juba and was able to see the ruins of the hotel I stayed in. My diary at the time recounts how then - the British having departed - the North was moving in to islamise the South and interfere with the work of the missionaries (Verona fathers)in educating the people.
I travelled on a wonderful trip from Juba to Kosti down the Nile taking about a week in all. A beautiful country that has really suffered. Lets hope that the steamers can run again and bring tourists!
Nicolas Bellord
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