By Otto Abut
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bentiu, H.L. Bishop Christian Carlassare, arrived in Juba ahead of his installation and inauguration this week.
Catholic Diocese Bentiu was created and announced by the Holy Father, Pope Francis on 3rd July 2024, embracing the Unity State and Ruweng Administrative Area.
Bishop Carlassare is expected to proceed to Bentiu for the official installation and inauguration of the new Diocese on Thursday, August 8 2024 in Bentiu-Unity State.
The Bishop refers to the creation of Bentiu Diocese as a gift from God and a sign that God wants to be close to the Church. He says the people of Bentiu and Ruweng administrative area have a journey together towards peace and reconciliation.
Bishop Carlassare vowed to unite the two communities which in his words called it Greater Unity, refering to Bentiu and Ruweng administrative area through peace and reconciliation as being one of the major calls by the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
“They feel like I am a gift given by Rumbek Community given to Unity and we were reflecting about the way that we are also called to reconcile these two great communities of South Sudan where the border is so closed but sometimes also so divided, so we will put down that border that will divide people, but create bridges and roads that we can really be united and also enjoy the beauty of our country together.”
The prelate applauds the prominent government officials and some accompanying members from Rumbek for his massive reception at Juba International Airport.
Meanwhile, the secretary general of the South Sudan and Sudan Bishops Conference, Fr. Peter Suliman said the church supports the new bishop and the creation of a new diocese as being the gift from the Holy Father to South Sudan.
The Deputy Head of the high-level committees for the inauguration, Hon. Mijok Mijak who is the Minister of road and bridges said the establishment of the new Diocese in Bentiu is a great honor to the people of Western Upper Nile and greater Unity and the people of South Sudan.