(Wau) – The Parish of St Joseph the Worker in Sikka Hadid, Wau, recently held a joyful celebration to mark the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The religious occasion was highlighted by the First Holy Communion of 620 children aged between 10 and 16, who took part in the solemn Catholic rite for the first time.
The event held in June 2025 drew a large number of faithful, including youth, clergy, and members of the religious community. It was presided over by the Bishop of Wau, the Right Reverend Matthew Remijio Adam Gbitiku.
During the Mass, the bishop congratulated the children on reaching this important milestone in their spiritual journey. He encouraged them to continue growing in faith and to keep a strong connection with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The parish priest, Father Papi Reddy of the Salesian order, expressed deep appreciation to the parents, catechists, and local community for their commitment to preparing the children for the sacrament.
He praised the dedication shown during catechism sessions and thanked everyone who supported the celebration through both material and spiritual contributions.
The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a major Catholic feast that honours the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. In Wau, the occasion brought the parish community together in prayer and celebration and served as a strong display of unity and devotion among South Sudanese Christians.
The large number of children receiving First Communion at once is seen as a reflection of the growing strength of the Catholic Church in the region.
It also revealed the importance placed on religious education in South Sudan despite ongoing challenges, including limited resources and access to training for catechists in rural areas.
Faith remains a vital source of hope and resilience for many South Sudanese communities.
