South Sudan
South Sudan is the newest country of the world, gaining independence in June of 2011 after over 50 years of armed struggle and conflict with the North. As a result, South Sudan has more than 3.25 million people living in United Nations camps for internally displaced or in refugee camps in neighboring countries. The new country’s challenges are many: the economy has collapsed, roads are in disrepair, the countryside is unstable, and peace is fragile. Maryknoll Lay Missioners returned to South Sudan in 2018 (after serving there in the 1990s and early 2000s) and hopes to expand its ministries there in the future. (Top photo ©Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth Pictures)
Ministry Areas
Justice and Peace
Conflict and poverty persist in South Sudan. Our lay missioner in the country works at Kuron Peace Village, a model community in remote southeastern South Sudan. Founded by a retired Catholic bishop and human rights leader, the village provides education (nursery to secondary), health services, food security, agriculture training and actively engages the area’s different ethnic tribes in conflict resolution and peace building.
Our Missioners in South Sudan
Featured Stories
The ‘simple bare necessities’ of life
From rural South Sudan, Gabe Hurrish reflects on one of Maryknoll Lay Missioners’ core values: simple living
My new mission at a parish in Riwoto
After two and a half years in Kuron Peace Village, Gabe Hurrish is now working in parish ministry in South Sudan.
Humbled by hospitality in South Sudan
Among the world’s poorest of the poor, Gabe Hurrish finds an incredible spirit of generosity and humility.
Where We Serve
Read more about our impact in other regions.
