Remembering Bishop Macram Gassis: A Life Devoted to Building a Christian Civilization in Sudan

Bishop Macram Gassis, who passed away last Sunday at age 84, was a Catholic bishop who worked tirelessly for nearly four decades to create a modern, Christian civilization in Sudan, even in the midst of genocidal repression by an Islamist military dictatorship. His Diocese of El Obeid spanned a war-ravaged area three times the size of Italy, including Sudan’s Nuba Mountains and part of its south. Despite the dangers, he baptized, confirmed, and ordained hundreds of Catholics, blessed marriages, and prayed for the dead. He also recruited priests and nuns to preach the gospel and carry out good works. Bishop Macram believed in honoring human dignity and educating, caring for, and respecting everyone, regardless of religious background, age, or gender. Over time, he forged a civil society, providing churches, schools, hospitals, clinics, and clean water. He persuaded architects, accountants, and health professionals to join him, and during the height of religious persecution, he received support from Raymond Arroyo on EWTN. One of his most notable successes was Mother of Mercy Hospital in the remote Nuba Mountains, which serves a population of over a million. Bishop Macram also raised his voice against violent attacks by the former government and warned against the growing threat of Islamist terror. His courage stemmed from his faith, and he devoted his life to God and his church. He will be greatly missed.