Finally, the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek receives a Bishop
RUMBEK, SOUTH SUDAN: For more than a decade, the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek has been without a Bishop since His Lordship Bishop Caesar Mazzolari died in 2011.
The Diocese of Rumbek has been under Diocesan Administrator until the Vatican announced its Bishop Since then until last Friday when the hundreds of faithful from across and indeed others from different parts of the world, flocked to Rumbek to witness the consecration of Bishop-Elect Christian Carlassare.
Last year, a group of criminals stormed Bishop Carlassare’s house at night and shot at him. He sustained fractures to both legs and he had to be flown to Nairobi, Kenya for surgery. He spent the whole year receiving treatment before Rome announced his ordination this year 2022.
Cardinal Gabriel Zubier Wako, who presided over the Mass of episcopal ordination, praised bishop Carlassare for accepting the Kingdom of God without looking back on the terrible things that happened to him last year.
“Jesus called his disciples to accept God wholeheartedly and to teach others what he taught them, taking care of the poor, healing the sick, and being there when there is a need,” Wako advised.
“Preaching Good news to people was not good to many, all of them (the disciples) were killed not because of their tribes or color but because they spoke the message of Jesus Christ without fear or favor,” Wako added.
Bishop Carlassare downplayed his attack citing that differences in origin, religion, race, and tribe can’t be used to separate God’s People.
“We are still one people in Jesus Christ, we become one family because we are all children of God. Brothers and sisters, although we have a difference in Skin we are still children of God,” Bishop Carlassare addressed the congregation.
The Episcopal ordination was attended by faithful from the different dioceses in South Sudan, Sudan, and come visit the way from Rome, including The Episcopal ordination was attended by many faithful from the different dioceses in South Sudan and Khartoum and visitors from Rome, including Bishop Carlassare’s parents.
Government dignitaries attended the event as well, among whom were, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Minister in the office of the President.
Benjamin expressed happiness over Carlassare’s decision to be ordained Bishop of Rumbek despite the challenges.
“Bishop Christians you have gone into the shoes of a very powerful Christian leader and we are very sure with what we have seen in you, being innocently shot, going through the pain and giving up your asylum coming back to continue the job, you will become a light of hope to the people of Rumbek,” the minister added.
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