Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rumbek (Agenzia Fides) - "I am sure that my wounds will serve for a greater good and that this long-awaited period was intended to prepare people's hearts to love the teachings of the Gospel, to form a more mature and to cooperate in building a more caring and peaceful community". This is how Monsignor Christian Carlassare, Comboni Missionary of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ), said when he announced the date of his episcopal ordination as the new Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Rumbek, in South Sudan. "In fact, this period taught me a little more humility to trust God and collaborate with Him", he added, referring to the time since the attack on his person until today (see Fides, 26/4/2021).
"We will work for a Church that looks at the local reality and the world, discerns and decides together the path to take, united in a common effort", said Msgr. Carlassare.
The date of the episcopal ordination was set for Friday, March 25, 2022, on the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. The note sent to Fides states that Msgr. Matthew Remijio Adam Gbitiku (MCCJ), Ordinary Bishop of the diocese of Wau, who has been administering the diocese of Rumbek since May 2021, after the bishop-elect was injured before his episcopal ordination, urged Christians to accompany Bishop Carlassare with prayers. "I thank Bishop Remijio for his commitment and his leadership in service, as well as all the Bishops of South Sudan and Sudan for the spirit of brotherhood they have shown me. I count on them and join them in the ministry to shepherd the Lord's flock".
He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Rumbek and the whole of South Sudan for the solidarity they showed towards him and their "willingness to adopt me as their father and pastor in the Church". In conclusion, appreciating the fact that the consecration will take place on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Bishop Carlassare said, "I see the loving presence of Mary and she will watch over me and my ministry. May her yes to God be expressed in my yes to the Church of Rumbek and that the people respond by walking together as a prophetic Church". (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 11/3/2022)
