Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bukavu (Agenzia Fides)- Four bishop concelebrated a special Mass for peace in Democratic Congo and for the health of Archbishop Charles Kambale Mbogha of Bukavu diocese who recently returned after two years of absence for a serious illness. At the end of the Mass, concelebrated with 50 priests and in the presence of 2.500 people Bishop Paul Mambe of Kindu, also vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, spoke of the spirit of brotherhood among the Congolese Bishops in general and particularly in the ecclesiastical province of Bukavu and he said: “we are here to tell the Archbishop that we are close to him with our prayers and our affection.” According to Radio Maria Malkia Wa Amani di Bukavu, the Mass was held on 11 January at the Our Lady Queen of Peace cathedral Bukavu. The Mass was presided by Bishop Faustin Ngabu of Goma and the other Prelates were Bishop Kaboy Theophile of Kasongo, Bishop Jean-Pierre Tafunga of Uvira and Bishop Paul Mambe Mukanga of Kindu.
Greeting those present, the parish priest of the cathedral Reverend Musanganya Dieudonné, said the Bishops had come to bring comfort to Archbishop Mbogha. “Their presence is a gesture of brotherhood and a sign of hope for our country ”.
In his homily Bishop Ngabu said “the Archbishop’s return to the diocese is a sign of peace for Bukavu and for the whole region”. The Bishop of Goma spoke of the suffering of Archbishop Kambale Mbogha: “The day he took possession of his archdiocese, he also took the path of the cross and suffering …Today we celebrate with him that special day three years ago. By coming here we want to say that we Bishops of Kivu are beside him always. He needs our protection, our affection…and with our love he will soon recover his health ”.
See photos of Bishops during their meeting at (www.fides.org ) (L.M.) (Fides Service 12/1/2004 lines 32 roads 384)
