Msgr. Christian Carlassare is recovering in a hospital in Nairobi after he was shot four times by two unknown men in his residence in Rumbek, South Sudan, on April 26.
MSGR. CHRISTIAN CARLASSARE
Bishop-elect of Rumbek Diocese (South Sudan)
“It will take some time for my legs to be able again to walk. But I assure you that I will be back and I will be with you. Please, let us be united in prayer. Let us be united with all our hearts, to uphold forgiveness in our community and to be able to seek for justice with the same heart of God. It is a merciful heart that can teach peace and can teach mercy.”
BR. DANIELE GIUSTI
Comboni Missionaries (Italy)
“He immediately reassured the people that if his attackers' intention was to intimidate him, then the result was the complete opposite. This incident motivates him even more to reiterate his availability and his firm intention to serve the Church of Rumbek.”
Pope Francis appointed Msgr. Carlassare to the diocese in central South Sudan in March of 2021, making him the diocese's first bishop in 10 years and what Br. Daniele Giusti calls a light of hope for the people.
BR. DANIELE GIUSTI
Comboni Missionaries (Italy)
“They showed him their affection in so many ways. They also showed him their fear, their fear because they saw the attack against Msgr. Carlassare as an attack against their hope for a rebirth in the Diocese of Rumbek.”
Diocesan workers, among them members of the clergy, are under investigation, and the motive for the attack is yet to be determined.
CT
RR. Comboni Missionaries.
