SOUTH SUDAN: Pope Erects New Diocese in South Sudan: A New Chapter for Bishop of Rumbek
Bishop Christian Carlassare of Rumbek Diocese, South Sudan
By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
In an official communiqué published by Holy See Press on Wednesday, July 3, His Holiness Pope Francis created the Diocese of Bentiu, carved from the Diocese of Malakal, and appointed Rt. Rev. Bishop Christian Carlassare of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek, as the first Local Ordinary of the new diocese.
In his letter shared the very day of the announcement, Bishop Carlassare embraced the Pope’s decision with trust in the Lord, seeking only God’s grace and the prayers from the faithful.
“I am profoundly touched by the love and trust of the Holy Father as He calls me, limited as I am, to serve the Church that is in Bentiu. It is a very demanding call as there are so many needs at the very beginning of a new diocese. I accept this appointment with trust in the Lord. Let Him take my understanding, my will, and my energies. I surrender them to the guidance of His will. What I ask is His grace and your prayer,” he said.
The Bishop who was appointed to Rumbek Diocese in March 2021 and Ordained a year later in March 2022, reflected on the words of Jesus from Luke 17:10 and urged ministers in the Church to work for the love of Jesus, placing the needs of the community above personal interests saying, “The Church belongs to God. He owns the Church. No one can take it away from Him.”
Reflecting on his mission while in Rumbek, Bishop Carlassare a member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ), acknowledged the challenges faced upon his arrival and the strong bonds formed with the community.
“I once heard that there are places where you cry twice: when you arrive and when you depart. It might be the case of Rumbek as people hear many things about Rumbek and may be afraid to come,” the Italian Born Prelate narrated and continued, “But people find that things are different and bond with the people and community so much that it becomes hard to leave”.
He reassured the community of continued care and guidance emphasizing that vacancy should not be synonymous with loneliness or abandonment.
“At the same time – I know – it is quite demanding for the Church in Rumbek as well. My new appointment makes this Diocese vacant; it is true. But let vacancy not be synonymous with loneliness, abandonment, or neglect”, he continued, “The Holy See informs us that I remain the Apostolic Administrator of Rumbek. It will not be for a long period. It will only be for the time needed by the Holy See to appoint the new Bishop of Rumbek”.
He called upon the faithful to accompany the transition process in prayer saying, “Therefore, I ask all faithful, priests and religious to accompany the process in prayer, avoiding any spirit of competition or disunity, fostering a positive environment of discernment and cooperation, and allowing the Spirit of God to work in us. I believe this is a time of grace for Rumbek”.
As the Apostolic Administrator of Rumbek for the time being, Bishop Carlassare counts on the members of the college of consultors and Fr. John Malou who is the coordination since it will not be an easy task to be available most of the time in the two Dioceses but promises to be visiting Rumbek as need be.
He further expressed solidarity with the people of Unity State and the Rueng Administrative Area, highlighting the rich history of the Catholic faith in the region, dating back to 1925.
As the Diocese of Bentiu prepares to celebrate 100 years of evangelization, he acknowledged the dedicated efforts of lay pastoral agents, priests, and Bishop Stephen Nyodho, who guided the journey toward the erection of the new Diocese.
“I appreciate the work done in the seven parishes of that pastoral region, the priests that have served and serve there now, Fr. William Bol, episcopal vicar for this pastoral region, and the courageous work of His Lordship Bishop Stephen Nyodho who – in the last five years – guided the journey towards the erection of this new Diocese,” he expressed.
In his Wednesday letter, the Prelate envisioned a future partnership between the diocese of Rumbek and Bentiu, working together to overcome prejudices and live in peace.
“We shall be two bordering Dioceses. I think we shall find areas to work in partnership, to bring our communities to meet and overcome prejudices and benefit together of the resources because we shall be able to live in peace”.
The newly erected Diocese has a population of approximately 1,131.886 of which 621,643 are Catholic faithful.
