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
We must listen to Africa
Pope Francis’ words during his visit to the DRC and South Sudan resonate with contemporary notions of mission.
Living the Beatitudes in South Sudan
Gabe Hurrish reflects on the upside-down challenges of the Beatitudes in war-torn South Sudan.
Celebrating Christmas with the Toposa
A glimpse of the Toposas’ Christmas Mass at Kuron Peace Village in South Sudan
Where We Serve
Read more about our impact in other regions.