Bishop Christian Carlassare of Rumbek diocese is being treated at Nairobi hospital after being shot, he reassured the local Church that he is out of danger and plans to return to the diocese of South Sudan.
On April 27, in a video taken by the ACI Africa news agency from his hospital bed, Bishop Christian Carlassare recounts how his gunshot wound on April 26 could be life-threatening, calling for reconciliation and asking for "justice." reason is done according to the same heart of God”.
“By the way, I greet all the lay people in Rumbek. I wish you peace of mind knowing that I am recovering at Nairobi hospital,” he added, adding that he is well cared for and his condition is getting better, “and it will take some time for my legs to heal. You may be able to walk, but I assure you, I will be back and I will be by your side.”
Bishop Carlassare, 43 years old, on March 8, he was appointed bishop of Rumbek diocese. After a week of retreat in Juba, on April 15 he went to the diocese of Rumbek. Episcopal consecration is scheduled for May 23.
He was the main target of an attack by two armed men, who broke into the rectory early on April 26, firing multiple shots at the door of the rectory of the Holy Family cathedral in Rumbek. He was shot in both legs.
In a video shot by the ACI Africa news agency , Bishop Carlassare said, “We are united in prayer; united with all our hearts to perpetuate forgiveness in our community.”
He described God's heart as "a heart of kindness, teaching peace and mercy to anyone, for these values are always in the depths of our hearts."
He continued: “I am far from you, but I feel one with you. Please unite with me in this process of reconciliation.”
On his deathbed, Bishop Carlassare recalled his experiences since his life was threatened: “It is really difficult to face this situation, to face death and with all the problems that will arise. from this shooting. But what hurts me the most is the suffering of the entire Rumbek community.”
Recalling his message to those who visited him at the hospital, the bishop said, “Rumbek parishioners have not sinned to suffer this; They were in pain from the bullet in my leg, they saw that Rumbek diocese hurt a lot more than my pain.”
“I have asked the authorities, the community and the people of Rumbek for forgiveness: please forgive those who have committed this act, forgiveness is not being naive and letting go of mistakes, but forgiveness is about correcting mistakes. wrong, not through violence, but through dialogue and forgiveness. I think the Rumbek community needs a lot of forgiveness to be able to dialogue and draw closer together,” Bishop Carlassare told ACI Africa news agency April 27.
“Certainly, justice is important and we must always seek justice, but justice does not always really heal a person’s heart,” he said. Justice must always be accompanied by mercy, for it is the remedy of human relationships that is more a result of mercy than of justice.”
The bishop thanked all those who prayed for his healing and recovery, “The Pope mentioned me in his prayers, and many others, the President of South Sudan was also concerned. to me.”
He asked people to unite with him in prayer and "always believe in the goodness of each person", he also warned those "outside of Rumbek, never think that Rumbek is more violent than other places just because of it." this has happened here, Rumbek has values and has great riches that can make them bear fruit.”
This is the mission of the Church, and the Church is never afraid to proclaim the Gospel of peace and unity, Father Carlassare said. And we must be ready to give our lives for peace and unity without fear.”
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