Post by Fr David Neuhaus SJ | 28 March 2026
Leaven in South Sudan
Father Manyiel, a priest friend in South Sudan, sent me a poem penned by his bishop, Bishop Christian Carelassare MCCJ (Comboni Missionaries). Bishop Christian was named head of the Rumbek diocese in South Sudan in March 2021.
This poem was written as a prayer on the occasion of the day of prayer for Christian martyrs. When I read it, I was deeply moved and sensed that here too is an expression of the Christian vocation to be a leaven in society. The Bishop has placed as a preface to his poem a quotation from martyred Archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero, murdered as he celebrated the Eucharist on March 24, 1980.
I publish it as a prayer for South Sudan and a prophetic word addressed to us in Palestine/Israel too.
“I sense that the people themselves are my prophet.” Oscar Arnulfo Romero
There is a Church
that does not make noise,
but walks slowly
on muddy roads,
carrying the Gospel
like a fragile jar of water
for a thirsty land.
There is a Church in South Sudan
that does not shine with power,
but with wounds.
Wounds that do not close,
because they remain open
to welcome the pain of the people.
Like Oscar Romero,
the Church speaks gently
but her words disturb the system
rooted in power and violence.
The Church stands unarmed
between fear and revenge,
between memory and future.
And someone asks:
Where are the martyrs today?
They are the catechist
who continues to gather children
under a tree.
They are the mother
who teaches forgiveness
when hatred is easier.
They are the priest
who refuses to run away
when his people are afraid.
They are the youth
who choose not to carry a gun,
but hope.
This is the martyrdom
that smells of mud and rain,
of tears and stubborn faith.
A martyrdom without headlines,
but full of light.
Because hope,
as a small seed,
breaks even the hardest soil.
And the Church,
wounded but standing,
continues to encourage
South Sudan:
Do not be afraid of peace.
Do not be afraid of forgiveness.
Do not be afraid of tomorrow.
The blood of yesterday
is not the last word.
The last word
is resurrection.
As we reflect on this poem, let us all pray: Lord, protect the vulnerable, the displaced, and those who have lost loved ones in South Sudan. Provide food, water, and security to those facing hardship. Comfort the mourning and be a refuge for those in fear. Renew the spirit of the people, O Lord. Bring hope into their hearts, and let justice roll down like water. Cover the land with Your love, that they may work together and find the way to be a peaceful and stable nation.
Thank you to Father Manyiel for the photograph of his people in South Sudan.