Terror in Western Equatoria

Thousands Flee to Ave Maria Parish

Miriam is ten, but her eyes carry the weight of sorrows beyond her years.

Miriam watched in horror as her village was raided. While she hid, trembling but silent, her home burned down and her parents were killed. Suddenly Miriam was left alone and terror stricken.

Some kind strangers brought her with them as they traveled on foot to a refugee camp. Numb from the trauma, she barely remembers following them. She reached the refugee camp hungry, emotionally shattered, with no family left and no idea what she will do.

But waiting for her at the refugee camp was more hardship.

Crisis in Ave Maria

Thousands of people like Miriam had their lives turned upside down when violence erupted without warning. In a moment’s notice, they left everything behind to save their lives.

They dodged gunfire and debris. Made their way through thick jungle terrain. Finally they arrived wearily at refugee camps where they could at least find shelter, and for the time being feel safe.

But a new crisis awaits them in the remote jungles of Western Equatoria, South Sudan.

She survived the gunfire. Will hunger make her another victim of war?

Hunger and Soaring Food Prices

Imagine surviving deadly fighting only to face death from starvation. This is the reality threatening refugees who are coming to the parish believing they will find safety. Already struggling with food insecurity, the nation of South Sudan has taken in more than a million displaced people since 2023. Displaced people have migrated to regions all over the country, straining the meager food supply beyond capacity.

Father Avelino serves as the priest of Ave Maria parish. A place that for years has provided solace for people displaced by violence or natural disaster, taking refuge near the stalwart church that stands as a symbol of hope. Here refugees find shelter, tools to grow food, and encouragement. There is even a school for the refugee children and vocational training offered for those who lost their livelihoods.

Father Avelino has been supporting agricultural projects to alleviate hunger for those who arrive at the doors of his church. But crops take time to harvest. In the days and weeks leading up to that time, people desperately need to eat. With ten thousand new refugees, food insecurity is at crisis levels. Right now there is not enough food for the masses of people fleeing to the parish.

Holding onto life – help is urgently needed in the country’s worst cholera outbreak.

Meanwhile, rampant inflation has sent prices of existing food soaring. Most civilians can’t afford to purchase food even if they could find it.

While valiant efforts are being made to care for the massive influx of people, the strain continues to stretch nearer the breaking point. Without humanitarian intervention, it will be impossible to sustain. The conflicts have worsened the growing hunger crisis.

Shortage of Medicine

St. Peter’s Health Clinic is a godsend to the people of Ave Maria and its surrounding region. Situated hundreds of miles from the nearest hospital, locals and refugees who come to the parish would have no other medical treatment available if St. Peter’s weren’t here.

Family members may become injured in the chaotic escape. Or weakened by hunger, they fall prey to sickness. St. Peter’s stands in the gap to help with as much basic medical care as possible.

But that takes medicine and resources – resources drained by the strain of so many in need. Without additional supplies, the clinic is helpless to care for those in need.

Who will care for orphans like 10 year-old Miriam – part of the massive refugee population.

When a Little Means Everything

The refugee families who come have endured extensive tragedy. They’ve lost homes and livelihoods. All their belongings. Some lost loved ones. They arrive at camps with nothing left but battered souls.

Now they may not have enough to eat today. Or tomorrow. Their weakened bodies are no match for diseases like the cholera epidemic sweeping South Sudan, or the malaria that marauds in the rainy season. They desperately need emergency food supplies. They need medicine. They need hope.

A million refugees compete for the meager supply of food and water.

Right now, Ave Maria parish is fighting to feed thousands of people. The need is overwhelming, and they’ve asked for immediate assistance. Father Avelino’s request for help is simple but urgent: sorghum, lentils, cooking oil, medicine for the clinic, and the transport costs to get these staples to the parish.

Your Help Will Supply:

Your gift today will put food into the hands of those who haven’t eaten in days. Your generosity helps get them food before more lives are lost, and medicine for weakened bodies to survive what should be curable illnesses.

When you’ve lost everything, the smallest gift of food or lifesaving medicine makes all the difference in the world. The difference between survival or starvation. The difference between dying of disease or healing. The chance to see your children survive.

Will you be that hope they’re desperately waiting for?  Please help us answer Father Avelino’s plea and rush emergency supplies to Ave Maria parish today.

Sincerely,

Neil A. Corkery President