MAF has helped church leaders to travel for a significant celebration in South Sudan.
Bishops and other representatives of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) travelled to Yambio with MAF to join four days of celebrations marking 100 years of Yambio Cathedral.
Senior churchmen including the current Primate Justin Badi Arama, former primate Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul Yak, Archbishop Joseph Garang Atem of the Upper Nile internal province, and Archbishop Paul Yukusuk, Bishop of Lainya, travelled to Yambio with MAF, to attend the celebrations, at the invitation of Archbishop Samuel Peni.
‘The whole church is welcome to attend!’ Archbishop Samuel Peni said issuing an open invitation to guests and highlighting the significance of the event for the Episcopal Church of South Sudan. ‘The climax of the celebration will be on 11 April because that is the day we will mark exactly one-hundred years.’
The cathedral, built and opened in 1925, is home to a thriving community of believers. It is thought to be the oldest Episcopal Church of South Sudan and one of the oldest buildings in South Sudan.
‘One hundred years is great! In a place where most buildings stand for 10 or 20 years, Yambio cathedral has stood for 100 years. We are looking forward to the celebrations to mark the centenary and enjoying the hospitality of Western Equatoria,’ primate Archbishop Badi Arama said, as he prepared to board his flight from the capital Juba.
It's good to highlight the church's unity during s difficult time
The MAF passengers received a warm welcome at the airstrip from members of the Yambio community.
‘The event seems very timely and is worthy of celebration. It’s good to highlight the church’s unity during a difficult time by coming together as Christians,’ said Chief Pilot Jono Pound.
Pilot Ide Gooden added: ‘The primate and bishops have been a frequent flyer with MAF over the years. It was a pleasure to fly them to mark such an important occasion.’