JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN — St Teresa Cathedral, one of South Sudan’s oldest Catholic churches, has held a special Holy Mass led by newly ordained priest Rev. Fr Nelson Swaka Gore.
Fr Nelson was one of three priests ordained by the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba on Saturday, 15 August, during celebrations marking the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Following his ordination, Fr Nelson was officially assigned to serve as Assistant Parish Priest in Terekeka County, an area with a long history within the Catholic Church in South Sudan.
The ordination celebrations in Juba were attended by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, senior government officials, clergy and large numbers of Catholic faithful. Many young people were also present to witness the ordination and the newly ordained priests taking on their responsibilities within the Church.
During the celebration, senior clergy welcomed the newly ordained priests into their new pastoral roles, giving them an opportunity to take part in leading the Holy Mass and begin their service to Catholic communities.
President Kiir congratulated the three newly ordained priests and welcomed the Church’s efforts to encourage more young people to take up leadership and pastoral responsibilities.
He said the new priests would not only serve the Church but also contribute to serving the people of South Sudan through their faith and commitment to their communities.
President Kiir, who was baptised into the Catholic faith at a young age, greeted the three priests personally and expressed his support for greater participation by young people in the leadership and ministry of the Church.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Juba has also announced pastoral assignments for the other two newly ordained priests.
Rev. Fr Joseph Mogga Loku has been appointed Assistant Parish Priest in Lokiliri, while Rev. Fr Zachariah Lodu Guda has been appointed Assistant Parish Priest in Rokon.
The ordinations mark another step in strengthening the Church’s pastoral leadership and preparing a new generation of clergy to serve Catholic communities across South Sudan.
