President Salva Kiir Mayardit has congratulated three newly ordained Catholic priests as they begin their ministry and service to the people of South Sudan.
President Kiir made the remarks on Sunday after attending Holy Mass at St Theresa Cathedral, commonly known as Kator Cathedral, in Juba.
The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Nelson Swaka Gore, one of three priests ordained by the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba on Saturday, August 15, during the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Fr. Nelson, who has been assigned as Assistant Parish Priest in Terekeka, was leading his first Holy Mass as a newly ordained priest.
President Kiir congratulated Fr. Nelson and the other newly ordained priests, encouraging them as they begin their calling to serve the Church and the people of South Sudan.
In response, Fr. Nelson thanked President Kiir for attending his first Mass following his ordination and offered prayers for the President, his leadership and the peace, unity and well-being of South Sudan.
The occasion marked a significant moment for Fr. Nelson, as the President joined the Catholic faithful for his first Mass after being ordained into the priesthood.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Juba also ordained Rev. Fr. Joseph Mogga Loku, who has been assigned as Assistant Parish Priest in Lokiliri, and Rev. Fr. Zachariah Lodu Guda, who will serve as Assistant Parish Priest in Rokon.
The three priests are expected to begin their pastoral assignments as they take on their new responsibilities within the Catholic Church and communities across Central Equatoria State.
The ordination comes as churches in South Sudan continue to play a significant role in promoting peace, reconciliation, unity and social cohesion among communities.
The newly ordained priests were urged to carry out their ministry with commitment as they begin their service to the Church and the wider South Sudanese population.
