Caritas asked for prayers as part of the 101 days of prayer campaign for the people of Sudan and the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead of them in the hope that they will achieve a lasting peace.
The idea was to spread an encouraging word of peace as wide as possible, reaching all the people of Sudan, without any distinction between southerners and northerners
Caritas supporters in parishes and schools around the world joined justice and peace groups, religious congregations, and many others in taking part in the prayer campaign.
Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference Seceretary General Fr. Santino Maurino Morokimomo said, “We are grateful to the solidarity shown with the people of Sudan throughout the 101 Days of Prayer campaign. It’s been really important knowing that there are many thousands joining in prayer with us around the world for a new dawn of peace in Sudan. It has given us hope that peace is possible in Sudan despite the challenges we face. ”
To officially close the “101 Days of Prayer for a Peaceful Referendum in Sudan” ,the Wau Committee for Peace organised a final message at the Jur River in Wau in Southern Sudan.
In their intentions, the people expressed their belief that God is the only one who can bless the country with peace. The messages spoke of the strong desire for this peace by the people of Sudan.
The messages were gathered by the committee members and put in a box that was taken in procession from the Cathedral to the shores of the river on the 1 January 2011.
After a moment of prayer lead by Bishop Rudolf Deng Majak of the Catholic Church, the box was entrusted to the water of the river together with small paper boats with other messages and prayers for peace in the country.
During his speech, Bishop Deng Majak stated that the end of the campaign is not the end of prayer for peace and encouraged the faithful to keep praying the rosary till the voting days.
Speaking to Good News Radio at Rumbek Hospital during the visit, the diocesan head of the committee for the 101 day prayer initiative, Sr. Mary Goretti, said that the committee decided to conclude the prayer initiative by sharing with the sick, answering to some of their needs.
She further said that although the initiative was concluding, more prayers are needed for Sudan, imploring the Holy Spirit to guide the people of Sudan as they prepare to determine their future through the referendum.
We ask either to say a Rosary for Sudan or join with us in the official prayer of 101 Days of Prayer for Peace campaign suggested by the bishops of Sudan.
Lord Jesus, you said to us;
“I leave you peace. My peace I give you.”
Look upon us your sisters and brothers in Sudan
as we face this moment of referendum.
Send us your Spirit to guide us.
Give us the wisdom we need to choose our future where we will know your
true peace.
You call us out of slavery, oppression, and persecution
So that we may have life in abundance.
Grant us peace with one another. Give peace among ethnic groups.
Help us to work together for the good of all.
We ask this in your name, Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.