Arua Diocese

"In this difficult time, God's blessings and graces come to help people in their difficult situation." Archbishop Luigi Bianco.

Archbishop Luigi Bianco has called upon refugees and migrants from South Sudan living at Ayilo Refugee settlements, Adjumani district to replace the experience of the difficult times with hope and faith that God will never abandon them.

Most Rev. Bianco, who is recently for his pastoral visit in Arua Diocese, made the remarks during a Holy Eucharistic celebration with the refugees at Ayilo one in which he was the main celebrant co-celebrating with the Bishop Ordinary of Arua Diocese, Rt.Rev.Sabino Ocan Odoki.

Present were district leaders, cultural leaders and religious representatives from the various religious denominations living at the refugee settlements.

While relating to the reading of the day, he highlighted the miracle of Jesus healing a man at the pool, one who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" "Sir,"the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

Archbishop continued to say, "In many times there is no one to help us in our very difficult situations but Jesus is there, no one was ready and looking to the need of this one during all this time of 38 years but Jesus looked into his need and did a miracle to him; This is the message of solidarity to help others and also to be sure that Jesus does not abandon us and He is always ready to offer his blessing to the people, especially people like you fleeing from war. In this difficult time, God's blessings and graces come to help people in their difficult situation." Said the Nuncio

His Lordship, the Bishop of Arua Diocese, Rt.Rev.Sabino Ocan said that the presence of the Nuncio shows the concern of the Holy Father Pope Francis to be in communion with the refugees in South Sudan. He added that recently the Holy Father Pope Francis was in South Sudan to speak for peace. He urged the refugees to thank the Holy Father for praying for peace and appealing to those concerned to create a peaceful environment for the refugees."Lets pray that one day we have a celebration like this in South Sudan or even a bigger one, this is our dream and this is our prayer, while you are here , feel at home because this is your home and these are your brothers and sisters." Bishop Sabino.

Episcopal Vicar for the Refugee Vicariate Msgr. Elizeo Ovurre described Nuncio's visit as a solidarity visit to the vulnerable people at the refugee settlement. He noted that it is an expression of love for refugees living in Arua Diocese. Msgr. Elizeo thanked Bishop Sabino for having encouraged and invited religious congregations and their positive response to come and intervene in the pastoral and spiritual care for the refugees. He emphasized the need for more Psychosocial, humanitarian and social economic support from donors and the government of Uganda besides the pastoral and spiritual support that Arua Diocese Refugee Vicariate is currently giving.