SUDAN/ SOUTH SUDAN: Pope Francis Remembers Late Bishop Gassis for Courageous Defense of Human Rights
Requeim Mass for Bishop Macram; Credit Courtesy photo
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Prior to the requiem Mass for the late Bishop Emeritus of Sudan’s El Obeid Diocese, Rt. Rev. Macram Max Gassis scheduled to be celebrated at St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba, South Sudan on Friday, June 30, the Holy Father Pope Francis has acknowledged the Prelate as one who was courageous in defending people’s human rights.
In a message from the Secretary of State Parolin Cardinal Pietro that was shared by the Apostolic Nuncio for South Sudan and Kenya Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, the late member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) was concerned with the well being of the vulnerable.
“Recalling with gratitude Bishop Gassis’ years of ministry to the Church in El Obeid, his courageous defence of human rights, untiring work for peace and justice and manifold charitable efforts on behalf of the poor and vulnerable, his Holiness joins you in commending the late bishop’s soul to the merciful love of Christ the Good Shepherd,” reads in part the Cardinals message.
He noted in the letter addressed to the successor of the late Bishop, Rt. Rev. Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of El Obeid Diocese, that Pope Francis was saddened about the death of Bishop Gassis and “he sends prayerful condolences to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the diocese and to his confreres.”
“To those gathered for the Mass for burial and to all who mourn Bishop Gassis’ loss, in the sure hope of the resurrection, the Holy Father cordially imparts his blessing as a pledge of peace and consolation in the Lord,” Cardinal Pietro highlighted.
Even though the Pope’s representative to South Sudan will not be physically present at the requiem Mass on Friday, he presided over the requiem that was held in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Shrine of the Apostles of Jesus on Saturday, June 17th, and sends his good wish messages as he remains united in prayers with the people of Sudan.
In a different letter from the Vice President of Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference (SSSCBC), Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba Archdiocese, the Friday requiem Mass will be presided over by His Eminence Gabriel Cardinal Zubeir Wako, Archbishop emeritus of Khartoum, Sudan
According to Archbishop Ameyu, Bishop Gassis was a shepherd who dedicated his entire life to alleviating the suffering of his people in the Sudan.
“His voice was loudest during the liberation struggle, speaking out on behalf of his people. He fought a great fight, but finally the Lord called him home, leaving behind his beloved people of the Sudan and South Sudan,” he narrated in the letter.
The late Bishop Gassis died on Sunday, June 4, in the United States of America after a long struggle with illness. In accordance with the wishes of his family, he was “temporarily” interred on the 13th June in Holy Cross Cemetery at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Pennsylvania; USA.
