SOUTH SUDAN: Cardinal Parolin’s Visit is a “Journey of Synodality and Hope,”: Bishop of Rumbek Diocese
By Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
Bishop Christian Carlassare of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek described the visit of Pietro Cardinal Parolin to his diocese as a blessing, a symbol of Unity, and Universality.
“The visit of Someone is a blessing, especially if you welcome a visitor from Rome, Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of the State, the collaborator of the Holy Father, it is really a grace for us to receive him and this shows us that the Church is United, it gathers together people of all nations and it is universal,” Bishop Carlassare said
Cardinal Parolin visited the Diocese of Marakal on August 15th and on his last day in South Sudan he celebrated Holy Mass in Rumbek Diocese.
In a message shared with AMECEA Online, the Italian-born Prelate acknowledged that the visit of Cardinal Parolin is also to encourage the country to turn a new page from the past saying, “Cardinal Parolin’s visit encourages us to turn the page of the past and to journey on these roses of synodality that we are doing; that is a process of communion, of being together and of collaboration.”
In his impactful visit to Rumbek, Cardinal Parolin left behind a trio of words that echoed in the hearts of the people, ‘Dialogue, Commitment and Togetherness”, the Bishop disclosed and continued, “Dialogue is not enough, it must lead to action, to commitment as a boat that is rowed by many, each paddling in unison toward a shared goal.
Bishop Carlassare further echoed Cardinal Parolin’s message that everyone needs to translate their faith into action reminding the people that the Cardinal pointed out the many fears in South Sudan and encouraged them to look to the future with the vision, new hope, and be guided by perfect love.
“Regarding the Homily of His Eminence, when he spoke about fears, there are so many fears in South Sudan, that start from the trauma that we are all victims, the trauma of conflict, insecurity, violence, and trauma that we have to get over to the fears, to look to the future with the vision, new hope, and so we are guided by this perfect love, the one of Jesus Christ”, he narrated.
