Kinshasa (Fides Service) - In a country devastated by civil war, celebrations for the centenary of a Catholic parish assume particular significance. The community in question was St Peter's Umangi, the original parish that led to the creation of Lisala diocese. Today Lisala has a population of 1,200,000 of whom 650,000 are Catholics, gathered in 25 parishes. Delegations of every parish attended centenary celebrations presided by Bishop Louis Nkinga Bondala of Lisala. Among the special guests, Cardinal Frederic Etsou Archbishop of Kinshasa and Archbishop Joseph Kumuondala of Mbandaka-Bikoro. Cardinal Etsou was born in Lisala. Another reason for celebration in the local Church was the ordination of 14 deacons in Bukavu cathedral. Six of the deacons came from Bukavu diocese, 4 from Kasongo, 2 from Uvira and 2 from Kindi. In his homily during the Mass, Bishop Theolphile Kaboy of Kasongo said, "despite the situation of insecurity and fear because of the war, God continues with his plan to work wonders for us, to save and liberate man. The generosity of these 14 young deacons who have chosen and been chosen to follow Jesus is the testimony". See photos sent to Fides Service by Fr Luigi Stocco director of Radio Maria Queen of Peace in Bukavu. LM (Fides Service 29/1/2003)