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My recent visit to Sudan corresponded with the first Sudanese bishops annual meeting in Khartoum in nearly 20 years that included both northern and southern bishops. The bishops, separated by a long civil war, were again united, and the joy was palpable. After a jubilant open-air Mass, nearly 5,000 people gathered outside the church to express affection for the bishops, hugging them and kissing their hands. Young dancers and drummers from every major tribe in southern Sudan entertained the crowds with music, singing, dancing and prayers. The festivities inspired audience membersincluding nuns, priests and a bishopto jump up and dance with their tribes. The celebration felt like a real turning point, as if the people were removing the last restraints of war and feeling free to express their faith and joy. I pray that the people of Darfur in their turn will have opportunities to dance euphorically.

Darfur Revisited

I first went to Darfur, Sudan, in 2004, just a year after a dire conflict erupted across the region, overturning the lives of millions of people. Traveling with Ken Hackett, president of This article appears in November 19 2007.