Nyamlel marks the death of Father Michael Barton

Father Barton died on August 28, 2026, in Cincinnati, USA, at the age of 78.

The commemorations were initiated by former pupils of Comboni schools and others whose lives were touched and transformed by his ministry.

The first Mass was celebrated on Saturday, September 12, at the headquarters of Theresa Parish in Nyamlel. A large congregation attended the celebration, including the State Governor and several government ministers.

Among those present were ministers who had previously served as catechists alongside Father Barton. Their participation reflected the lasting influence he had on both the Church and the wider community.

The following day, the community of Marial Bai, one of the chapels built during Father Barton's ministry, gathered to celebrate his life and legacy. The outstation is located about 20 kilometres from Nyamlel Parish Centre.

The community had been without a visiting priest for three months. Some of the faithful walked to Nyamlel to participate in the Mass celebrated the previous day before returning to their community.

Nyamlel is an extensive parish with about 70 outstations, many of which benefited from Father Barton’s pastoral, educational and missionary work.

In a video story, the missionary recalled that he had lived in Nyamlel for 11 years and had built 15 chapels and two schools with the local people. He had a passion for education.

For many people in Nyamlel and other parishes across South Sudan, Father Barton was more than a missionary. He was remembered as a teacher, mentor, friend, challenger and spiritual father who accompanied generations of young people and strengthened local communities.

His ministry left a lasting mark on the Church in South Sudan, particularly through education, pastoral formation and the development of mission communities.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to be remembered and sustained by the people he served.

Father Santino Mawan, MCCJ