Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides)- “A man of unity and solidarity, Fr. Boka was called away at a crucial time in our country’s history when national unity is threatened” this was how Bishop Fidèle Nsielele of the diocese of Kisantu, in Democratic Congo, recalled Fr. Simon-Pierre Boka of Mpasi Londi. A well known Jesuit theologian, university professor, Fr. Boka was known to all Congolese as the composer of the national anthem Débout Congolais.
The funeral was held on 21 September at Sacred Heart parish in Kinshasa. The mass was presided by the Bishop of Kisantu, assisted by about thirty priests including the Jesuit Provincial in Africa and the secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Congo, in the presence of the Papal Nuncio, family members of the priest’s family, numerous men and women Religious and several leading politicians.
Recalling the situation in the country, Bishop Nsiele stressed that Fr Boka was a man of peace and added that “For Congo to reach unity and peace each one of us must be committed to this cause with courage, selflessness and sacrifice… national unity must go hand in hand with solidarity. It is not enough to allow people to survive, they must have a chance to live life to the full”.
“Fr. Boka must be considered one of the great witnesses of research in African traditions in view of in-depth evangelisation” Fr Léonard Santedi, Segretario general secretary of the Bishops’ Conference told DIA local news agency. “He was a pioneer in giving value to African customs and traditions”.
Fr. Boka died at the age of 77 on 7 September in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire . He was ordained at Herverlee - Louvain, Belgium, on 10 August 1962. Two years before his ordination, while he was studying theology in Rome 1960, Fr. Boka was called back to Congo, to compose a national anthem for the country which was about to obtain its independence.
DR Congo is awaiting, amidst tension and incidents a second round of presidential elections in October. Parliament opened yesterday 22 September and this is n encouraging sign. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/9/2006 righe 34 parole 413)
