Thursday, August 8, 2024
The Vatican announced the transfer of Bishop Christian Carlassare from Rumbek Diocese to the newly erected Diocese of Bentiu on July 3. The Bishop Carlassare started his Episcopal Ministry in Rumbek in March 2022. After his installation scheduled for August 11, he will be the first Catholic Bishop of the Diocese carved out from the Catholic Diocese of Malakal and the eighth Episcopal See in South Sudan. [Credit: Catholic Radio Network. Jude Atemanke
ACI Africa]

The Pioneer Catholic Bishop of Bentiu Diocese that was recently erected in South Sudan has expressed optimism in realizing unity among the people of God in his Episcopal See that covers the country’s Unity State. Speaking to journalists at the Juba International Airport on Tuesday, August 6 after arriving from the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek, his previous Episcopal See, Bishop Christian Carlassare called for collaboration, which he said is the desire of the Church leadership. 

“I give thanks today to God for his mercy and his love for the people of South Sudan and a special way for the people of Bentiu,” Bishop Carlassare said, and added, “It is with great joy that I welcome the erection of this new Diocese, which is a gift for everybody. For me, it is a sign that God wants to be close to us and the Church.”

He described his appointment to Bentiu Diocese, while continuing to oversee Rumbek Diocese as Apostolic Administrator “a divine call” for him to be close to the people of both Unity State and Lakes States.

“The Holy Father, the Bishops, and all Priests want to be close to the people of Unity State to journey together towards reconciliation and especially get that liberation, or we call it salvation, that God is preparing for us, which is life to the full,” the Catholic Church leader said.

He expressed his keen interest on unity, saying, “We will put down that border and create bridges and roads so that we can really be united and also enjoy the beauty of our country together.”

(To read the whole article, click here)

Jude AtemankeACI Africa