Rumbek Christians prayer for peace as Lent kicks off

February 19, 2015 (RUMBEK) – Christians in Lakes state capital Rumbek have marked the beginning of Lent by praying for a return of peace and stable peace in the region.

This year’s Lenten campaign is being held under the theme: “Unless you repent, you will all perish as they did”.

Fr. John Mathiang Machol, of the Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Diocese in Rumbek, said that the faithful will be observing a 40-day period of fasting, with prayers to be offered for peace, justice and reconciliation in Rumbek and across South Sudan.

Fr. Machol says the current conflicts in Lakes state are instigated by people who have failed to receive a clear message of divinity.

The 40 days of fasting begins on 18 February and continues until 29 March.

“These 40 days is for fasting. It is for charity of justice, peace and reconciliation in Lakes state and [the] entire South Sudan,” he said.

Fr Machol said he was confident that the ongoing cycle of inter-clan clashes in Lakes state would discontinue when people embraced the Lord’s message.

“Everyone in either government or whatsoever in Lakes state must repent and [ask for] forgiveness for one another,” he said.

(ST)