By Charles K Mark
Late Bishop Paride Taban, founder of Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron has been named the 2023 Opus Prize Laureate.
The announcement was made by The Opus Prize Foundation and Villanova University in a ceremony held on Thursday.
Late Paride, former Bishop Catholic Diocese of Torit passed away, last week, aged 87. In his absence, Bishop Paride was celebrated during the event.
As the winner of the annual faith-based humanitarian award, Bishop Taban’s Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron will receive the one-million-dollar prize that recognizes social entrepreneurship championing faith-filled change.
The prize was received by Dr. Margaret Itto, deputy chair of the Board for Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron and State Minister for Health in Eastern Equatoria State.
“Although it saddens me deeply that Bishop Taban is not here with us, I am truly honored to accept this award on his behalf and help recognize the passion and devotion he gave to Holy Trinity Peace Village,” Dr. Itto said.
“He has impacted so many lives in Sudan through not only the founding of The Village but the continued love he provided to its community for almost 20 years. His impact will be felt there forever.”
Bishop Taban founded Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron in 2005 as an intentional community for people of diverse backgrounds who have experienced conflict.
With a focus on conflict resolution and peacebuilding, as well as agricultural training, education, health services, and food security, the Peace Village allowed thousands of the then Sudanese affected by years of armed conflict and struggle in the North to flourish there in peace.
In the nearly two decades since the founding of the Village which has become globally recognized for its peace-building efforts in the region, Bishop Taban has been the recipient of several prestigious humanitarian awards.
“Bishop Taban dedicated his life to promoting peace and compassion for those in need, regardless of faith or background,” the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, Ph.D., Villanova University President said.
“As an institution grounded in the values of St. Augustine, who preached about the power of communities dedicated to love, Villanova University is immensely honored to celebrate the life and work of Bishop Taban, and to have the 2023 Opus Prize as part of his legacy.”
Each year, The Opus Prize Foundation partners with a Catholic university.
As the 2023 host, the Villanovans committee identifies nominees, selects finalists, participates in site visits, plans campus awards week, and inspires change in work and organizations.