A warm welcome from students at St.Teresa’s Kindergarten in Rumbek, South Sudan, September 2025. With the support of Canadian Jesuits Internationaland other members of the Xavier Network, the school strengthening its infrastructure, training teachers, and giving young learners the chance to thrive. The school is run by the Eastern Africa Jesuits, a CJI partner. Video: Juan Emilio Hernandez/CJI
"Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.” — Romans 5: 1-2
By Juan Emilio Hernandez
Before traveling to South Sudan last September to visit our Jesuit partners and their projects across the country, I had many reservations. I was afraid of getting sick and of what I might lose. Little did I know that the trip would become one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
During my journey to nine Jesuit apostolates, most of which were schools ranging from kindergarten to a teacher training college, I had the opportunity to meet the Jesuits, students, teachers, families, and communities involved in these projects. They taught me something new every day, shared what little they had and always greeted me with a smile. I could sense their inner peace, which came not from the absence of problems, but from the presence of God among them.
CJI International Programs Coordinator Juan Emilio Hernandez, pictured with Amin Gabriel, a student at Victor Uke Odhiambo School whom he met during his visit to South Sudan in 2025.
I met Amin Gabriel, a senior student at Victor Luke Odhiambo School in South Sudan, who dreams of becoming a medical doctor. She is one of many people for whom faith is their most prized and powerful possession. They have no certainty about what tomorrow will bring: whether they will have food the next day; whether they will make it to school; whether they will be healthy; whether they will have a job; or whether they will have a roof over their heads. Nevertheless, what remains constant is their steadfast faith and trust that God is present in their lives, accompanying them through difficult situations.
Nowhere else have I seen a Sunday Mass attended by every family member, and it was like a grand celebration. Faith was dressed in the finest attire; faith was sung; faith was danced, and faith was deeply felt. The Mass was truly a feast that celebrated the presence of God. Despite lacking many material possessions and comforts in their lives, their faith made them incredibly rich.
My visit to South Sudan has strengthened my faith and my belief that God is indeed present to help us overcome our fears, frustrations, mistakes, and the obstacles in our path. This faith gives us peace, tranquility, and the reassurance of knowing we are on solid ground, even when things around us are falling apart.
Juan Emilio Hernandez is the International Programs Coordinator at Canadian Jesuits International.
Please click image above to read previous reflections.
Bridging Borders is CJI’s newsletter. It is published three times a year, in January, May and September. Each issue has a different theme that highlights a major aspect of our work in the Global South as well as our efforts in Canada to learn and act in solidarity.
Bridging Borders is CJI’s newsletter. It is published three times a year, in January, May and September. Each issue has a different theme that highlights a major aspect of our work in the Global South as well as our efforts in Canada to learn and act in solidarity.
