SOUTH SUDAN: Bishop-Elect for Rumbek Diocese Welcomes the Appointment with “Spirit of Faith and Availability”

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

The Bishop-elect for South Sudan’s Catholic diocese of Rumbek Monsignor Christian Carlassare has welcomed his Monday, March 8, episcopal appointment made by the Holy Father with a “Spirit of faith and availability.”

In his appreciation message on the day of his appointment, Very Rev. Carlassare who until his appointment has been the Vicar General for Malakal diocese, South Sudan said, “I did not expect this appointment but I welcome it with a spirit of faith and availability. May the loving plan of God for the Church of Rumbek and South Sudan be accomplished.”

Msgr. Carlassare a member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) of Italian nationality said, “He is God of surprises: his surprises even though challenging, always carry a blessing.”

He further expressed readiness to join the diocese of Rumbek which has been vacant for nearly a decade after the death of another Italian born Comboni Missionary Bishop Cesare Mazzolari in 2011 who served the diocese for about three years.

In a letter signed by the Vatican’s Charge d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in South Sudan Monsignor Mark Kadima, announcing the appointment of the new Bishop-elect, appreciated the cleric who has served Rumbek as the Diocesan Coordinator since 2013.

“We wish to thank Rev. Fr. John Mathiang Machol for his dedicated service to the Diocese of Rumbek, which he has governed in the capacity of the Diocesan Coordinator for the last eight years,” Msgr. Kadima noted.

Acknowledging the work that has been done by the Diocesan Coordinator over the years, Very Rev. Carlassare who is also former Provincial of Comboni Missionaries in South Sudan province said, “My thought goes to all the people of the diocese and their desire to encounter Christ in the Church. My obligation goes to all priests that are serving in the diocese, in particular Fr. John Mathiang for his commitment to lead the diocese in the past years as diocesan coordinator.”

The Bishop-elect who was ordained to priesthood 16 years ago and has been in South Sudan since 2005 serving in various capacities including being a parish priest, vocations promoter and provincial councilor of the Comboni Missionaries has appreciated the trust shown him by the Church.

“I am grateful to Pope Francis and the Church for the love and trust they have shown by calling me to the episcopal ministry and appointing me to be bishop of Rumbek,” Msgr. Carlassare disclosed adding, “My appreciation goes to all the Religious institutes and communities of men and women that enrich the diocese with their charisms. Among them I show my special gratitude to my confreres the Comboni Missionaries, especially those we have shared in the ministry.”

He further appreciated the diocese of Malakal where he has been serving before his appointment for the “spirit of communion, support and kindness.”

“I also acknowledge the commitment of many lay people, whether native from Rumbek or from other places and countries, those who work in the offices and institutions of the diocese, and committed Christians such as catechists, members of Church councils, associations, men and women, youth and elders who form and build up this family of God,” the Bishop-elect highlighted adding that he also recalls the late Bishop Caesar Mazzolari who gave his life to the people of Rumbek with the “spirit of a good shepherd.”

The Bishop-elect asks for prayers “trusting that our Lord who started this good work will assist me with his grace and bring it to completion.”