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As corruption takes its toll on certain African countries, some of the men and women in the religious world from certain West African countries have continued to make Africa proud. A few weeks ago, Nigerian Sr. Francisca Ngozi Uti, HHCJ, was Named 2024 Opus Prize Laureate. This time, a Nigerian Jesuit Priest was Feted for “ecumenical peace-making” in South Sudan after the Civil War.

Fr. Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, a Jesuit Priest and Dean of the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University (JST-SCU) in California in the United States of America (USA) has been honored for his peacemaking efforts fostering reconciliation in South Sudan following the country’s civil war.

According to a report published on the website of the university, Fr. Orobator received “The Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation” from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who praised the Catholic Priest’s “outstanding, Holy Spirit-inspired faithfulness, wisdom, and hope” in brokering for peace among South Sudan’s political leaders.

In 2019, Fr. Orobator is said to have played a pivotal role in co-designing and facilitating a retreat for parties in the civil war that claimed over 400, 000 lives. The parties, the report says, had been unable to form a transitional government or implement a peace process to end the conflict.

In addition, the leadership of the Nigerian-born member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits – SJ) during the retreat “allowed the Holy Spirit to move through liturgy, praise, honest conversation, sharing of food, and silence.”

The retreat Fr. Orobator organized was held at Santa Marta, the residence of Pope Francis. The event is said to have marked a significant moment in South Sudan’s peace process.

 “At one point during the retreat, the political leaders requested to sit together, alone, for the first time since violence had broken out,” the November 25 report indicates, noting that the gathering concluded with Pope Francis kneeling to kiss the feet of the leaders, imploring them to work for peace.

This gesture of Pope Francis, described as deeply impactful, is said to have left a lasting impression on both the leaders and the South Sudanese people.

According to the report, the retreat’s outcome has significance in the ongoing pursuit of peace in the east-central African country.

The retreat is also said to have formed such an impression on the South Sudanese people that they “constantly reference it as a landmark in the pursuit of peace.”

The Nigerian Priest is also said to have continued to accompany ecumenical peace-making efforts as Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland prepared for their 2023 Pilgrimage of Peace to South Sudan.

According to the report, Fr. Orobator “consistently provided profound wisdom, deep political understanding, compelling spiritual encouragement, and unfailing hope that God’s grace would be known.”

Fr. Orobator has been involved with issues of peace, justice, and interfaith relations throughout his ministry and is widely respected as the immediate past President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM)

The Hubert Walter Award, established in 2016 by Archbishop Welby, recognizes individuals who advance reconciliation and interfaith cooperation. Named after Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1193 to 1205, the award features a scarab beetle, symbolizing resurrection.

The Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, where Fr. Orobator serves as Dean, is known for its commitment to forming leaders in ministry, academia, and social justice.

Located in Berkeley, California, the school draws students from across the globe, aligning with Santa Clara University’s mission to integrate ethics and social consciousness into education.

“Fr. Orobator’s work exemplifies the mission of the Jesuit School of Theology,” the November 25 report indicates, noting that the Priest’s dedication to peace and reconciliation “is a testament to the values of faith and justice” that guide the institution.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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