Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, Santo Loku Pio, has called on young people in South Sudan to utilize their faith, education, and talents to serve others and contribute to the nation's development. He made this appeal during a Holy Mass celebration at St. Daniel Comboni Secondary School in Juba, marking the Feast of St. Daniel Comboni. The event brought together students, teachers, parents, missionaries, alumni, and members of the Catholic community.
In his homily, Bishop Loku Pio emphasized that Christian faith should be demonstrated through prayer, practical service, and commitment to justice, particularly in supporting the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable. He highlighted St. Daniel Comboni's legacy as a missionary who defended African dignity and dedicated his life to fighting slavery, poverty, and injustice. The bishop's message resonated with the congregation, encouraging them to reflect on their roles in promoting social justice.
Bishop Loku Pio reflected on the image of the Good Shepherd, urging Christians to protect vulnerable individuals and reject practices that undermine human dignity. He specifically mentioned child marriage, social divisions, and prioritizing personal interests over others' welfare as attitudes that need to be addressed. The bishop's words served as a reminder of the importance of upholding human dignity and promoting a culture of service.
During the celebration, over 100 students and pupils from different schools received the Sacrament of Confirmation, marking a significant milestone in their Christian faith. This ceremony underscored the importance of spiritual growth and development among young people in South Sudan. The event also provided an opportunity for the Catholic community to come together and renew their commitment to their faith.
The administration of St. Daniel Comboni Secondary School reaffirmed its commitment to developing students academically, socially, culturally, and spiritually. Teachers were recognized for their dedication and sacrifice, while parents, alumni, missionaries, and supporters were thanked for their contributions to the school and the education of young people. This acknowledgment highlighted the collaborative effort required to nurture the next generation of leaders.
The Comboni Missionaries' Provincial Secretary for Sudan and South Sudan reflected on St. Daniel Comboni's missionary vision and his belief in the dignity and potential of African people. He emphasized Comboni's vision, "Save Africa through Africa," and called for continued investment in the education, spiritual formation, and leadership development of young Africans. This message resonated with the celebration's theme of empowering young people to become active agents of change.
The feast day celebration at St. Daniel Comboni Secondary School commemorates the missionary legacy of St. Daniel Comboni, who dedicated his life to Africa and promoted evangelization, education, and dignity of African people. The event encouraged a new generation to embrace education, faith, responsibility, and service to society. As the Catholic community looks forward to World Mission Sunday on October 18, the celebration served as a reminder of the importance of missionary work and evangelization activities.
Key points
- Bishop Santo Loku Pio challenges South Sudan's youth to use their faith, education, and talents to serve others.
- The celebration marked the Feast of St. Daniel Comboni, highlighting his legacy as a missionary who defended African dignity.
- Over 100 students received the Sacrament of Confirmation, underscoring the importance of spiritual growth among young people.
