Fighting Fear with Friendship: The Resilience of Ave Maria Parish in South Sudan
Ave Maria parish in South Sudan has become a crucial support system for families displaced by conflict and natural disasters. With the leadership of Fr. Avelino Bassols, the community offers education, vocational training, and healthcare services, addressing significant challenges and providing hope in a region facing severe instability and a deteriorating economy. Despite the obstacles, the parish has made strides, particularly in vocational training, and continues to serve as a beacon of hope for those in need.
In South Sudan, where floods and violence displace families without warning, the quest for safety and community often leads individuals to Ave Maria parish. Once a mere refugee camp, this sanctuary has transformed into a supportive community for those who have suffered loss and hardship. With over two million people affected by conflict and natural disasters, Ave Maria parish stands out as a beacon of hope amidst despair. Fr. Avelino Bassols, a pivotal figure at Ave Maria, reports on the persistent challenges faced by the community, particularly the insecurity that drives more displaced individuals to their doors. In recent months, the parish has experienced increased turmoil, including the disappearance of a fellow priest, which has compounded the challenges they encounter. Manpower shortages plague the parish as new recruits hesitate to serve in such dangerous conditions. Moreover, the economic situation continues to deteriorate, with the South Sudan Pound experiencing severe inflation, impacting families’ access to basic necessities and services. Today, the exchange rate for one hundred U.S. dollars stands at a staggering 420,000 SSP, starkly illustrating the economic decline since the nation’s independence in 2011. Despite these setbacks, Ave Maria parish actively supports education and vocational training. The community operates numerous educational institutions, including three nursery schools, two primary schools, a secondary school, and a vocational training center, all of which strive to offer valuable skills and education to the youth in a region marked by instability. The parish’s vocational training center has expanded its offerings to include crucial skills such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, mechanical welding, and now tailoring. This initiative provides community members not only with practical skills but also with the hope of improved livelihoods. Fr. Bassols highlights the significance of new clothing, especially during religious and festive occasions, noting, “It may sound surprising, but in an area such as ours, the first luxury people think about is a new dress for Sunday, or new clothes to dress on Christmas.” The St. Peter Health Centre, established in 2019, serves as a primary health facility for the community, functioning as a small hospital with limited resources. Structured to address urgent healthcare needs, the center is crucial in a region where patients must travel nine hours for more advanced care. The staff consists of health practitioners from various regions, including the Congo, Kenya, and Uganda, though the lack of fully qualified doctors severely restricts treatment capabilities. Challenges such as delayed deliveries of medical supplies and the installation of vital infrastructure underscore the complexities of providing consistent healthcare. However, the health centre conducts initiatives like the annual eye-health campaign, which offers free services to local residents through partnerships with international ophthalmologists. Despite the harsh realities, the staff at Ave Maria and their supporters remain committed to improving the quality of life for their community through education and healthcare, indicating that progress is achievable even in adverse conditions.
South Sudan faces immense challenges due to consistent civil unrest, natural disasters, and economic hardship, leading to the displacement of over two million individuals. The economic situation is dire, with inflation impacting the ability of families to secure even basic necessities. With limited healthcare access, South Sudan has been classified as one of the most underdeveloped countries globally, amplifying the need for community initiatives like those found at Ave Maria parish. This parish has evolved from a simple refugee camp into a vital resource that provides education, vocational training, and crucial healthcare services. Fr. Avelino Bassols, a key figure in the parish, articulates the ongoing struggles, including insecurity, manpower shortages, and economic decline, and the significant efforts being made to combat these challenges.
The plight of families in South Sudan is emblematic of both tragedy and resilience. Ave Maria parish has proven vital in providing hope and essential services amid chaos. The commitment to education, vocational training, and healthcare exemplifies the community’s determination to overcome adversity, showcasing notable progress despite overwhelming challenges. Support for initiatives at Ave Maria is crucial for continued improvement and stability in an area fraught with difficulty.
Original Source: www.indcatholicnews.com
