The suffering of the people continues because the fighting is still raging. Despite all the calamities and difficulties, the people have shown firmness and resilience. Father Yousif William, a Comboni Missionary, says that in the face of everything, he is helping the people to look to the future with hope and strength.
As the only priest responsible for four parishes of the displaced along with a camp on the outskirts of the capital Khartoum, my weekly pastoral schedule is quite full.
On Sunday, I celebrate mass at St. Josephine Bakhita’s parish Jeberona. On Monday I conduct catechesis for those preparing for Sacraments. On Tuesday, I travel to St. Kizito Dar Essalam for mass. Wednesday is dedicated to the formation of Catechists and extraordinary Ministers. On Thursday, I go to St. Francis of Assis parish in Angola (Banat). Friday takes me to Sacred Heart Parish Wed Ramly, and Saturday I hold Catechism classes at St. Josephine Bakita’s parish Jeberona. The faithful of Nivasha camp in the outskirts ask for mass every month, so I have to take one Wednesday away from the Catechists for this purpose
The living situation here is extremely difficult due to unemployment. In such dire conditions, many people are forced to sell everything – even their household utensils and clothes. Some go so far as to dismantle their windows, doors and roofs to sell to afford food. Looters on the other hand, target abandoned houses, dismantling even the bricks. Despite these hardships, the people remain faithful, coming to church to pray to meet others and to share both their joys and sorrows.
Movements from one part of the city to another are severely restricted with checkpoints every one Kilometer, which delays my journey to the parishes. We thank the Lord, though, because the situation has improved compared to a few months ago when there was intense shelling and aerial bombardments. We often had to seek shelter or remain under our beds. Now the primary danger comes from drones targeting large gatherings, causing many casualties. As a result, we avoid such targeted areas. During the nights, we still hear the orchestra of sounds of sporadic shootings and shelling in the outskirts. No night could pass without the sky lit up from the ‘fireworks’ of antiaircraft projectiles.
Pastorally, I thought of forming a group of lay helpers to assist me with the work. I am pleased that now we have extraordinary Ministers that help me on the altar. For example, in St. Josephine Bakhita’s parish, Jebarona has three extraordinary ministers assist at every Sunday mass, which are attended by two thousand of the faithful. They distribute Holy Communion and pray with families of the sick and deceased. They also serve as catechists, helping prepare people for the sacraments. Additionally, we have four groups of Legion of Mary, who lead the rosary before Mass and visit families, particularly the sick or those who have abandoned the church.
For extraordinary ministers and Catechists, we completed one year of basic formation, covering topics such as catechesis on the Catholic Church, other Denominations and Sects, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Sacraments, social teaching, psychology, the role of the laity, Holy Bible, Christian family and pastoral work.
We also have planned for a future work after the war. A few weeks ago, we had a course on Administration offered to us by some volunteers, so that we may have people prepared to get involved to work with humanitarian organizations to create new local humanitarian organizations and help in administering projects that will be supported by donors. All of this will be a great help for the church.
The faithful have taken the responsibility of their churches by covering expenses, ensuring water supplies, cleaning and caring for trees and flowers, as well as supporting the maintenance as their pastor. In all the four parishes, they now produce their wine and hosts for Mass. I have started teaching our choirs the rudiments of music and they can now sing easy Hymns using sheet music.
