Gratitude to those 'who had a hand in the miracle'

So, how does it feel to be involved -- directly involved -- in a miracle, our friends at Catholic Relief Services ask.

Every single indication -- a violent past, entrenched illiteracy, food and health crises, and scores of incendiary tribal conflicts -- every single indication convinced every single long- and short-term observer that in the very best case, southern Sudan's historic referendum would be tainted by violence.

It could not, logically, be otherwise.

...if you were involved in any way, whether praying for Sudan, informing yourself about the issues, advocating for Sudan with your elected officials, church, youth group or friends, or giving to the Church's peacebuilding work, you had a hand in a miracle.