By Bosco Bush
The newly appointed Bishop of Bentiu Diocese, Unity State, Christian Carlassare on Tuesday arrived in Juba from Rumbek ahead of his installation ceremony in Bentiu due August 11, 2024.
On June 3, Pope Francis established the Catholic Diocese of Bentiu and appointed Bishop Christian Carlassare, who is serving as the Local Ordinary of Rumbek Diocese as its pioneer Bishop.
Carlassare became the first Bishop of the new Episcopal See, the eighth in the world’s newest nation that was made public by the Holy See.
During his reception at Juba International Airport, Bishop Carlassare expressed the privileges of serving as the first Bishop of Bentiu, Unity State and called on the people to work together for unity, reconciliation and salvation to witness the love of God.
“It’s a great honour for me to be welcomed by you to be the first Bishop of Bentiu, but certainly we are all first altogether. We have to build up this special time that is given to us,” he said.
“I give thanks today to God for His mercy and love for the people of South Sudan, in a special way for the people of Bentiu. It is with great joy that I work on the direction of this new Diocese which is a gift for everybody, and for me, it’s a sign that God wants to be close to us and the Church.”
“The Holy Father, Bishops and all Priests want to be close to the people of Unity to journey together towards this reconciliation and especially get back liberation or we call it salvation that God is preparing for us which is life to the full,” he said.
Unity State has suffered conflicts and relentless flooding that continues to displace residents from some parts of the state.
Carlassare acknowledges the suffering of the people in the area and implored them to unite and provide a conducive space to live and witness the love of God.
“I acknowledge also the suffering of the people of this area, not only because of the past conflict but also now the floods. I see pictures with people that are really caring to protect that little land that they have to live on. Certainly, it’s very painful but is also a call for unity, Unity State cannot be saying something different but unity to make a space that we can really live and witness the love of God for us,” he stated.
Christian Carlassare was first appointed and also served as the pioneer Bishop for Rumbek Diocese since March 2022 before his new appointment to Bentiu Diocese.
Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Rumbek Diocese in March 2021. His Episcopal Consecration which had been initially scheduled for Pentecost Sunday that year was postponed indefinitely after he was shot in both legs on April 26, 2021.
His ordination in Rumbek was finally able to take place on March 25, 2022, the Feast of the Annunciation.
He applauded the people of Rumbek, Lakes State for the time they had together.
“I have a delegation that accompanied me from Rumbek, of course, this morning we prayed and also last Sunday we prayed. I think they feel like I am a gift from Rumbek given to Unity.”
Highlighting his relationship with South Sudan, Bishop Carlasaare disclosed that, he first visited the country as a youth in 2005, and worked around the areas of Panyijiar and Fangak in Unity State.