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With heavy hearts we share the news of the passing of Br Bill, a dedicated and cherished founding member of Solidarity with South Sudan (SwSS). Br Bill was a cornerstone of our organization. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his profound generosity, his passionate commitment and his steadfast attention to the needy: his dedication and life were a testament to compassion and service. His spirit and dedication will continue to inspire all at SwSS. Below is a remembrance of Fr. Jim Greene, our former Executive Director . “I just heard of Bill Firman’s passing. Very sad if somewhat expected. Somehow, I had hoped that through sheer doggedness and determination, he would overcome yet another obstacle!! I lived with Bill in Juba for about two months  in 2019. Only afterwards did I realize that this was a very difficult time for him, saying goodbye to his beloved Solidarity and to South Sudan. He invested a huge amount of his energy, creativity and especially his heart in his adopted country. I am sure he carried cherished memories of his time back to Melbourne but he also left many memories behind. Around our neighborhood in Juba he was fondly remembered because of his huge generosity. He also helped countless priests, religious and lay people throughout the country. That, in itself, is a huge legacy but for Bill it was only a sideline. His day job was to establish the structures of a fledgling Solidarity. This was nowhere more obvious than in the classrooms and library that he built in STTC in Yambio. He oversaw developments in other projects too, but as an educationalist, the teacher training college had a special place in his heart. He steered Solidarity during some difficult periods of national history. The teacher training college in Malakal found itself in the cross hairs of a murderous civil war. Bill assisted in supporting our trapped members there in evacuation and in maintaining morale in all our projects during this frightening period. He also assisted our people in Yambio in the aftermath of a traumatic attack on our community and college. The list could go on, but you get the picture. I don’t want to dwell on  another dream of his, establishing a boys secondary school in Rumbek. That is someone else’s story to tell. Bill was an exceptionally generous, creative and determined brother and leader. We will always be grateful for the gift the De La Salle congregation gave to Solidarity and to South Sudan. In his passing, we honour his life, his achievements, and above all, his passion for Solidarity and for South Sudan. May he rest in peace.“
Fr. Jim Greene, MAfr
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Date Published:17 November 2025 Author:Fr Jim Greene, Former Executive Director
Article Tags: Latest news, South Sudan, Solidarity, Rest in peace, Peace, Mission, Brothers of the Christian Schools |
