Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
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| Bishop-elect Christian Carlassare |
Recalling the April 26, 2021, incident when he was shot by unknown gunmen, Monsignor Christian Carlassare narrates that “In light of what happened to me, I think it is important for the Diocese of Rumbek to give new life to the trauma healing center promoted in the past by our bishop Msgr. Cesare Mazzolari,” who passed on nearly a decade ago.
“In a context of conflict, all people bear the wounds of a culture or environment that perpetuates violence through the law in which it is the strongest who survive at the expense of the weakest. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to reopen the trauma healing centre where competent people can propose paths of reconciliation, justice and peace,” the Bishop-elect said in a statement shared with AMECEA Online.
Bishop-elect who was to be ordained as Shepherd of Rumbek Diocese on May 23, 2021, after the appointment in March 2021, but whose Episcopal ordination was postponed to sometime later this year as he recuperates from injuries sustained from gunshots envisions having a prayer session for pastoral agents related to promoting unity among the people.
“In 2022 we will hold in the diocese retreats for pastoral agents with sessions led by the Solidarity with South Sudan group that will promote listening and sharing to overcome hostility and promote communion,” Msgr. Carlassare said in his message and continued, “It will then be necessary to continue with programs to train local leaders who can take at heart the resolution of local conflicts or family violence.”
In his statement, Bishop-elect narrates that the process of training the local leaders will be based on the dignity of each person by overcoming the three common dichotomies including, “the ethnic dichotomy between clans and tribes, the social dichotomy between those who are powerful and those who count for nothing in society, and the anthropological dichotomy between men and women in a strongly patriarchal society.”
He narrates that his Episcopal motto “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus," is inspired by St. Paul's letter to the Galatians.
The former Vicar General for Malakal Diocese, South Sudan, further acknowledged that “Forgiveness must be cultivated as a personal choice that costs sacrifice.” This he said “is the starting point for the uphill path of reconciliation, which is always a community journey and which cannot be forced but must mature as a common commitment.”
“It is well known that violence is overcome only by meekness. In fact, it is preferable to be wounded than to hurt, bearing one's wounds without resentment,” Msgr. Carlassare said reflecting on his attack saying, “The pain with which I began this ministry will perhaps dispose people to welcome a common new journey and path to unity and peace. I therefore wish to cultivate hope.”
He wishes the people of Rumbek emulate the family of Nazareth “is an example of great meekness and availability despite the prevailing violence.”
“Jesus made himself present and close to each person with such gentleness that he did not even appear to be God, but was completely human, showing us how we should also be,” the member of MCCJ narrates in his message adding, “It is for this reason that today I see him making himself present in the faces of so many children and young people of Rumbek and South Sudan who look to the Church as the family of Nazareth: ready to welcome them, to protect their lives and give them an opportunity, a hope.”
Msgr. Carlassare commended the clergy, missionaries lay collaborators and supporters of Rumbek who contribute “so that the work of evangelization and human promotion may continue.”