Monthly Prayer: June

Reflection by Father David Stewart SJ

We’ve seen powerful images of Pope Francis, on several occasions, pleading with the leaders of the various factions in Sudan to end conflict and embrace dialogue. This is a massive country, even after Sudan split, precariously, into North and South.

Before the Holy Father’s apostolic journey to this vast land, he sent the South Sudanese people a message in which he recognised their “cry for peace”. He noted that many people are ‘tired of violence and poverty and await concrete results from the process of national reconciliation.” From his heart, he told them, “I would like to say to you: ‘do not let hope be stolen from you!’”.

We can get to know SCIAF’s ambitious project in South Sudan, supported by many experienced partners, and pray for its success. We should not fail to take note of how this project, which will greatly benefit children living with disabilities, is being carried out in partnership, which will involve dialogue, sharing of expertise and energy from various quarters. Dialogue and combined effort is exactly what the Pope asked of the country’s leaders. 

“Integral Human Development” is an essential dimension of this project. For concerned and engaged Catholics, and all people of good will, it is well worth exploring this way of embracing, celebrating and protecting the complexity of each and every human person. It sees people, especially those who suffer, as a whole, and that’s how God sees them. Pray to see our suffering brothers and sisters as God does. 

We should also remember that Pope Francis wasn’t doing this alone. He has urged reconciliation working alongside his “two dear brothers: the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.” We, thousands of miles away, can certainly pray that Pope Francis’s words and the example of SCIAF’s project will lead those leaders away from violence and towards reconciliation.

We can open our own hearts to see how these three faith-leaders here at home have set aside any differences to advocate for peace in this young nation.