The Benedictine Sisters and the Diocese of St. Cloud through the office of Social Concerns have joined with Pax Christi International to promote the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Sudan. The global initiative invites people of all faiths to stand in unity and pray for peace, justice, and healing in the African nation.
“Sudan is currently facing one of the most severe and under-recognized humanitarian crises in the world,” said Ron Pagnucco, professor emeritus of peace studies at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University and a member of the Pax Christi International Sudan team.
“The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces there has plunged the country into devastation,” he said. “The conflict has led to mass displacement, economic collapse, widespread hunger, and the breakdown of healthcare and education systems.”
In the Apostles’ Creed we pray for the communion of saints, said Benedictine Sister Eunice Antony.
“This communion of saints, this Mystical Body of Christ, compels us that ‘if one member suffers anything, all the members suffer with [him],’” she said. “In the spirit of faith and solidarity, we are called to join together to pray, raise awareness and take meaningful action for peace, justice and healing in Sudan…our brothers and sisters.”
The Benedictine Sisters will pray for Sudan during their evening prayer on April 11, as well promote Pax Christi’s efforts on their website.
In addition to our Catholic social teaching on global solidarity, and our Catholic tradition of peace building, the St. Cloud diocese also has a long history and connection with the people of Sudan.
“The late Bishop John Kinney spent time in Sudan, and multiple priests of our diocese have also visited there,” said Kateri Mancini, director of social concerns for the diocese. “We also have members of our parishes who are from Sudan and South Sudan,” she added. “Their church is our church, and their struggle, therefore, is our struggle. Praying for peace on this day is a small way that we can express our solidarity and love for our Sudanese family.”
The April 11 event is Inspired both by the legacy of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese woman who overcame enslavement and became a symbol of resilience and faith, and by the suffering, courage, resilience and faith of all women in Sudan who are supporting their communities and working for peace, according to the Pax Christi website.
“This day of prayer for peace reflects our belief in the power of prayer to bring about positive change, especially in times of conflict and suffering, aligning with the Church’s call to promote peace and justice,” Mancini said.
Christian and Muslim members of the Pax Christi International Sudan team encourage everyone to join together to pray for the people of Sudan. Many resources and ideas for ways to participate can be found at: https://paxchristi.net/world-day-of-prayer-for-peace-in-sudan/
For more information about the situation:
https://www.osvnews.com/south-sudanese-bishops-warn-of-catastrophe-as-full-scale-war-threatens/