The diocesan administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek has urged the faithful to support the Church through acts of love in his New Year’s Pastoral Letter.
Fernando Colombo urged the Catholic community to support the Church by engaging in acts of love.He said the faithful need to seek and to live by the spirit of love and service.
Fr. Colombo added that the mission of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek is to promote love without discrimination through evangelization, education and healthcare.
He stressed that the Church does not exist for business, power, politics and racism.
Fr. Colombo thanked the faithful for their extraordinary participation in the Christmas celebrations, saying that the festivity was a shining expression of faith in the Lord.
He said he regretted the unfortunate incidents that clouded the Christmas feast, including inter-tribal confrontations in Jonglei State, and sentiments of xenophobia directed against expatriates working in Rumbek diocese and unfounded accusations against the Director of Good News Radio.
Fr Colombo said that was up to the Government to grant residence and work permits as well as guarantee their security.
He thanked the Government authorities in Rumbek for their respect and protection of the Church.
The diocesan administrator called on the Catholic community waiting for the appointment of a new bishop to live the period of expectation in a spirit of faith and prayer.
He added that the process had already reached the Vatican and soon Pope Benedict will appoint a new bishop for Rumbek.
Bishop Caesar Mazzolari of Rumbek passed away in mid-July and Fr. Colombo was asked to administer the diocese until the new bishop is appointed.