By Otto Abut
In a heartfelt address to the faithful, the newly installed Bishop of Bentiu Catholic Diocese, Christian Carlassare, called on the people of Unity State to join him in the mission of developing the newly established diocese. His appeal came during his installation ceremony on Sunday, August 11, 2024, which marked the official inauguration of the Catholic Diocese of Bentiu.
The creation of the Diocese of Bentiu was officially announced by Pope Francis on July 3, 2024, making it the eighth diocese in South Sudan. Bishop Carlassare emphasized that the strength of the Church lies not in its clergy alone but in the collective commitment of the entire congregation.
“The Church is not just about the clergy—it is the congregation that makes it powerful,” Bishop Carlassare declared. “Let us live as a Eucharistic Church, one that gives thanks, one that is grateful for the gifts we have received, a Church united in purpose. A Church that provides bread for the hungry and partakes in the graces of God. We are not just a bishop, priests, and religious leaders; we are all the Church together. Who am I without you? Who is a bishop without his people? Who is a leader without those who stand behind him? Let us unite to build a bright future for this Church.”
Bishop Carlassare urged the faithful to stand together in solidarity, overcoming divisions and hatred, to build a society grounded in love and unity.
“The mountain of God is not across the border; it is here with us,” he said. “We must climb over the barriers of division and hatred, and in solidarity, hold each other’s arms to build a society, a city, and villages where we can not just survive but thrive in unity.”
Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin, who was present at the ceremony, praised the people of Bentiu for their prayers, which he believed were answered by the Almighty through the Holy Father in the creation of the new diocese.
He also called on the youth, whom he described as the pillar of the nation, to put aside their differences and focus on the development of the new diocese while standing firm in faith alongside Bishop Christian Carlassare.