A high-level delegation from Misereor, the German Catholic Bishops' Organization for Development Cooperation, has arrived in Rumbek for a visit aimed at strengthening solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek and assessing development initiatives supported through the Church. The delegation is led by Archbishop Stefan Burger of Freiburg and includes several key members. This visit provides the Misereor team with an opportunity to engage with diocesan partners and gain insight into the impact of projects supported by the organization.
The delegation was received by Fr. John Malou, Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator, and Moses Kopurot Kenyi, Education Coordinator of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek. The reception was attended by priests, religious sisters, diocesan staff, school leaders, teachers, and pupils. Fr. John Malou welcomed the delegation on behalf of Bishop Christian Carlassare and the faithful of the Diocese of Rumbek, describing the visit as a blessing and expressing gratitude for the partnership between Misereor and the local Church.
Moses Kopurot Kenyi, Education Coordinator of the Diocese of Rumbek, also welcomed the delegation and thanked Misereor for its continued support. He acknowledged the hot weather in Rumbek while expressing hope that the visitors would have a safe and comfortable stay. For Fr. Dr. Andreas Frick, the visit marks his first trip to South Sudan and an opportunity to meet people and see the realities of communities supported through Misereor's partnerships.
Fr. Dr. Andreas Frick said Misereor works with partners in 83 countries and supports around 3,000 projects worldwide. He expressed appreciation for the warm reception in Rumbek and said the visit was also significant because it coincided with the celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Misereor director said he would use the occasion to pray and give thanks for the people of Rumbek and the work being carried out through the Diocese.
Archbishop Stefan Burger thanked the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek for the warm welcome and said his first visit to South Sudan was an opportunity to listen, learn, and better understand the realities facing the people. He stressed that the delegation had not come merely as representatives of a development organization, but as Christians connected to the people of Rumbek through a shared faith.
As part of the visit, Archbishop Burger officially commissioned a new Education Office constructed with financial assistance from Misereor. The office is expected to contribute to the Diocese's efforts to strengthen the coordination and management of its education programs. The Misereor delegation is expected to visit several projects supported by the organization in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek during its stay.
The visit highlights the continuing partnership between the Church in Germany and the local Church in South Sudan, particularly in supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening communities and responding to their development needs. This partnership underscores the commitment of Misereor and the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek to improving the lives of people in South Sudan.
Key points
- The Misereor delegation's visit aims to strengthen solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek and assess development initiatives supported through the Church.
- The delegation includes Archbishop Stefan Burger of Freiburg and several key members from Misereor.
- The visit highlights the continuing partnership between the Church in Germany and the local Church in South Sudan.
