101-Day Prayer Campaign launched for Sudan

(Sept.28,2010) A 101 day Prayer Campaign was begun for Sudan in view of growing political tension surrounding the Jan. 9 referendum on the possible secession of southern Sudan. Sept. 21 was the first day of the campaign, which aims to motivate people of all faiths to pray for peace in that country. It is due to end on Jan. 1, World Day of Peace, a week before the referendum. This referendum will decide whether southern Sudan will separate from the north and form its own country. It was stipulated by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the civil war that began in 1983. However, in the months leading up to the referendum, violent conflict has been reported in various parts of the country. In this regard, Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Adwok Kur of Khartoum told the Catholic Organisation “Aid to the Church in Need” that this prayer campaign could play a crucial part in keeping peace in Sudan. "The message which comes out of this prayer initiative is that of reconciliation and forgiveness," he said.
The Prayer campaign will include parish meetings focused on current issues, the use of a prayer booklet, and the distribution of the Prayer of St. Francis. It is being organized by a group called “Solidarity With Southern Sudan”, an organization within the Union of Superiors General of religious congregations.