A day of joy and celebration

Juba (South Sudan). On 2 September 2024, in a climate of great joy and celebration for Mary Help of Christians Preprovince (AES) and for the whole Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the five FMAs evacuated on 29 July from Khartoum, Sudan, arrived at Gumbo-OuagadougouJuba, at Blessed Maria Troncatti Community.

The FMA community at Khartoum, together with Fr. Jacob Telekeddan, Salesian of Don Bosco, and dozens of people from the area who had found refuge from the conflict in the educational complex of the Sisters, had been blocked there since April 2023, were successfully rescued on 29 July by the Sudanese armed forces.

 “We lived 16 months under the bombardments. During this time, we saw and experienced the presence of Mary and her protection. We were fortunate to have Mass every day, the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, thanks to the presence of Father Jacob”, recount the FMA.

This month, the Sisters were warmly welcomed by civil, diplomatic, and religious authorities and the people of Sudan. Arrived in Omdurman, the Sisters of Mother Teresa hosted them and met with the Governor, who praised the work of the Catholic Church, especially for people who have found refuge in the FMA House. From there they left for Atbara, where the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Khartoum, Msgr. Michael Didi Adgum Mangoria was waiting for them.

In Port Sudan, they were welcomed with joy by the Comboni Missionaries, the Sisters of Mother Teresa, and the Sisters of the Visitation, who hosted them, giving their beds to the guests. There they also had a meeting with the Indian consul, since some of them are originally from India.

The five FMA then departed for Omdurman from where, after completing all the processes to obtain the documents, on 2 September they finally took off for Juba. The choice to reach South Sudan, before returning to their respective countries of origin, is motivated by the strong link with the AES Preprovince, that has supported them in this difficult time and with whom they have constantly maintained contact from Khartoum.

At the main gate of the mission in Gumbo, together with the Superior of the Preprovince, Sister Marie Dominique Mukato Mwema, there were FMA, pupils from the Primary Schools, teachers, women, and collaborators who, with songs and cries of joy, escorted them to the house of the Sisters, where the children of the Kindergarten were waiting for them around the statue of Mary Help of Christians.

After the music, songs, and dances, Sister Marie Dominique lit a candle in honor of Mary, Mother, Teacher, and Protector.

In the afternoon, the FMA had a visit from the Apostolic Nuncio of South Sudan, Msgr. Séamus Patrick Horgan.

“In all this, people have always been kind to us. We have seen the hand of God working in our lives and in those of the population”, conclude the Sisters.

May the Lord and Mary Help of Christians continue to protect and bring comfort to those who are in this and other conflicts, and to intercede for peace through the prayer of many.

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