Bishop Carlassare Embraces Historic Role as First Bishop of Bentiu
Bishop Carlassare Embraces Historic Role as First Bishop of Bentiu
By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
The Birth of the Diocese of Bentiu
In an official communiqué published by L'Osservatore Romano on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024, His Holiness Pope Francis has created the Diocese of Bentiu, carved out of the Diocese of Malakal. During the Papal announcement, Pope Francis also designated Rt. Rev. bishop Christian Carlassare, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek, as the first bishop of the new diocese.
In his letter shared on 3rd July 2024, bishop Christian Carlassare embraced the Pope’s decision with trust in the Lord, seeking only God’s grace and the prayers of 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”.
In his address, the bishop humbly reflected on the words of Jesus: “When you have done everything you are ordered to do, say ‘We are worthless servants. We have only done our duty’” (Luke 17:10). He urged ministers in the Church to work for the love of Jesus, placing the needs of the community above personal interests. “The Church belongs to God. He owns the Church. No one can take it away from Him,” he affirmed.
A journey of Tears and Triumphs
Reflecting on his time in Rumbek, bishop Carlassare 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. But then people find that things are different and bond with the people and community so much that it becomes hard to leave”.
A Call for Unity in Transition
Understanding the implications for the Rumbek, the prelate 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 also called upon the faithful to accompany the transition process in prayer, “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”.
He added “I will not be able to be in Bentiu and Rumbek at the same time. After I take possession of Bentiu, I will still come to Rumbek. We shall also use all means to do what is to be done. But it will not be easy for me as I can’t stretch out beyond what is humanly possible. Life and work continue daily. Therefore, I count on the commitment of each one of you: the members of the college of consultors, Fr. John Malou as we gave him a coordination role. All priests, religious men, and women, lay people holding responsibilities in the Curia and the departments: each one has his/her own responsibility to be fulfilled; and staff in Bethany house with the staff working here in Rumbek. There is no other way, but the way to be One”.
Solidarity with the People of Bentiu
Expressing solidarity with the people of Unity State and the Rueng Administrative Area, the Bishop highlighted 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.
“Despite my fears and limitations, my Yes wants to express my solidarity with our brothers and sisters of Unity State and Rueng Administrative area. The Catholic faith is not new there. The first mission was founded in Yonyang back in the year 1925. Next year the new Diocese will celebrate 100 years of evangelization. 100 years of touching history and witnessed by many lay pastoral agents who kept the faith. 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”.
In his letter, the prelate also envisioned a future partnership between the diocese of Rumbek and Bentiu, working together to overcome prejudices and live in peace.
A Vision for Collaborative Ministry
“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”.
