The parish of Sakakini in Cairo celebrates its 100th anniversary alongside the 25th anniversary of the Arbaa wNus Center, dedicated to Saint Bakhita. A Mass led by Bishop Claudio Lurati brought together many Sudanese and South Sudanese attendees. Meanwhile, conflicts in Sudan persist, impacting local communities and leading to humanitarian crises such as cholera outbreaks due to power outages in Kosti.
In Cairo, the parish of Sakakini celebrates two significant anniversaries: the centenary of its foundation and the 25th anniversary of the Arbaa wNus Center dedicated to Saint Bakhita. The Apostolic Vicar of Alexandria, Bishop Claudio Lurati, led a Mass at the center on February 7, attended by many Sudanese and South Sudanese faithful from local parishes, marking their deep-rooted connection to their heritage.
Devotion to Saint Bakhita is strong among Sudanese people, evidenced by the continued support of the Comboni missionaries. Recent developments in Sudan have shown military forces advancing in Khartoum, with reports indicating that members of the Rapid Support Forces are leaving the capital. Despite these events, the Comboni missionaries have managed to confirm the condition of their provincial house amidst ongoing conflict in various regions of Khartoum.
In Kosti, south of Khartoum, the destruction of a nearby electricity plant has resulted in a two-week power outage, exacerbating conditions that have already led to a rise in cholera cases due to a lack of water. Current reports suggest a stalemate in negotiations between conflict parties, prolonging the situation and impacting local communities severely.
The celebration of the Arbaa wNus Center’s anniversary underscores the resilience and unity of the Sudanese and South Sudanese communities in Egypt. Despite the ongoing conflicts in Sudan, missionary efforts continue to provide support and maintain a connection to cultural and spiritual roots. The humanitarian challenges, particularly in Kosti, highlight the urgent need for peaceful resolutions and humanitarian assistance.
Original Source: www.fides.org
