“You are the lifeblood of our Church”: Catholic Bishop in South Sudan to Catechists at Trauma Healing Workshop

He added, “Let us move forward together in faith, hope, and healing. Together, we will free our country from pain, violence, and mental wounds that affect every aspect of our lives.”

The workshop, that the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) organized in partnership with CDTY, seeks to strengthen the role of Catechists as healers and peacebuilders in regions torn by conflict and displacement.

The workshop is part of a broader initiative targeting three Dioceses in South Sudan: Wau, Tombura-Yambio, and Malakal.

Fr. John Gbemboyo, Pastoral Coordinator of CDTY, outlined the objectives of the program.

“We initiated this project two years ago, but funding was only recently secured,” Fr. Gbemboyo explained. 

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He added, “We’ve completed training in Wau, and now Tombura-Yambio is the second to host these activities.”

Fr. Gbemboyo underscored the important role Catechists play in their communities, saying, “Catechists live among the people; they have families and understand the daily struggles.”

“Though not always the first to preach, they are seen as God’s messengers and trusted advisors during conflicts. This makes trauma healing and reconciliation vital for their work,” the South Sudanese Catholic Priest said.

The June 12 report indicates that nearly 1,000 Catechists serve the CDTY.

However, the program is launching with a smaller group, with plans to gradually expand and reach more participants. 

The goal, the report further indicates, is to help Catechists begin their own healing journey, so they can more effectively guide and support communities deeply affected by years of war and family conflict.

Some of the participants echoed the importance of the initiative. 

Khamis Undoko Sasa, a Catechist from Our Lady of Fatima Maridi Parish, said, “This training helps us understand our own pain and prepares us to support others. It is a powerful step toward peace.”

Elizeo Beneko, representing Nagero County—a region still reeling from displacement and intercommunal clashes—added, “Many faithful have been displaced due to clashes between the Azande and Balanda communities. This program is essential for us to cope with trauma and bring hope back to our people.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.