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| South Sudan Independence celebrations at Mamre House. |
DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA REPORT: The Independence and the declaration of the new Nation of the Republic of South Sudan have brought great excitement and joy to the South Sudanese community living in the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, and to all who know them.
The staff at Mamre House in Orchard Hills, a sponsored work of the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta, have been working with the Sudanese community for the last six years since the arrival of most of the Sudanese community in Australia.
Mamre House shared the delight of the Sudanese community in their independence, organising a formal celebration on Tuesday 26 July. The day provided an opportunity for the women to share their joy and hopes for the future of South Sudan after many years of war and sadness.
Visitors included Sr Catherine Ryan, Leader of the Parramatta Sisters of Mercy, other Sisters, members of the Coalition Partnershipand students from Catherine McAuley High School Westmead.
Mrs Salwa Garang gave a brief and vivid history of Sudan’s struggle for independence. This was followed by several women giving an explanation of the symbolism of the new flag.
After the singing of the new National Anthem, “South Sudan Oyee”, the visitors were entertained by the women and their children, singing and doing their national dances. The morning concluded with a feast of Sudanese dishes, prepared by the women.
“We share the delight of the Sudanese community in their new nation and congratulate them,” said Sr Janet Woods, the Co-ordinator of the project.
“It is a great joy for the teachers to see these women approach the microphone so confidently and address us in English. We are so proud of these women. Not only are they wonderful mothers and home makers, but they are also making great progress in their mastery of English, and adapting to their new country so well, after only a few years in Australia.”http://www.parra.catholic.org.au/news---events/latest-news/latest-news.aspx/mamre-house-shares-hope-and-joy-of-new-nation.aspx
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