By Bida Elly David
The Catholic Cardinal of Sudan and South Sudan has warned churches especially priests in the Catholic Church against hatred and division among one another saying that breaking one another was the work of the devil meant to break faith of the congregation.
He spoke during his homily following the installation of the new Bishop for Torit Catholic Arch-diocese on Sunday.
Over two thousand Catholic faithful on Sunday gathered at St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral of Torit Catholic Diocese to Jubilate the episcopal ordination and installation of most Reverend Emmanuel Bernado Lowi as the new Bishop of the diocese.
The event was attended by a number of Bishops from different Catholic dioceses, government officials at the national and state levels, representatives from other denominations, mothers and youth.
Speaking during the homily, Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako warned Catholic clergies against division and hate saying that promotion of a priest to certain level should be a blessing to build the Church of the living God.
The installation of Reverend Emmanuel came following his appointment by Pope Francis last year following his affirmative recommendations and service in the Church.
Cardinal Zubeir said that division within the Church especially the clergies has been the work of the devil to break the Church and claim the victory with evil pride.
“Emmanuel is going to take over the government and the organization of this diocese based on his appointment by Pope Francis. He is taking the seat from Arch Bishop Stephen Ameyo. The task of the Bishop is to lead the people to the Lord or continuing with what Jesus Christ has started,’’ he said.
Zubeir called on the priests and the congregation to respect the Bishop being their spiritual father and a leader who paves way for them to see Christ through proclamation of the Gospel.
In his advice to the Bishop, Cardinal told Emmanuel to announce the gospel to the people as well as plant faith that will be inspirational and transformational.
He cautioned some Christians who read the Gospel without understanding urging them not to use the Gospel as a word rather by doing it as demanded by the Lord.
“You should not mention St. John or Luke just because you read it in the book but rather you should know what it means and live through it in the Church. The Bishop is coming to make us understand the inner message of the Gospel from the message that Jesus Christ left to us. His words should strengthen us to follow it,’’ he said.
He called on all the Catholic congregants to work for comprehensive goodness but not for individuals.