Bukavu (Fides Service)- Catholics in Bukavu in the east of Democratic Congo are mourning their Archbishop Charles Mbogha Kambale who died on Sunday 9 October after a long illness.
The Archbishop died in Bukavu hospital where he was admitted on 19 September at the insistence of his doctor. He was too ill to travel to Europe for treatment. “We Catholics put everything in the hands of God and held three prayer novenas for our beloved Archbishop” said Jean Bosco Bahala head of diocesan social communications and director of Radio Maria Malkia wa Amani.
“However God had other plans” said Rev. Bahala, “the Archbishop died on Sunday after receiving the last sacraments. He went to join his predecessors and colleagues Archbishop Cristophe Munzihirwa who died a martyr on 29 October 1996 and Archbishop Emmanuel Kataliko, who died in Rome 4 October 2000 a hero who fought a courageous and evangelical battle for the dignity of his people from whom he was unjustly separated and exiled for 7 months”.
“Archbishop Mbogha was a shepherd of unique simplicity” said Rev Bahala. “He was a man who listened and was known for his wisdom. He will be remembered by everyone for his goodness. Even from his bed, as long as he had the strength, he directed the diocese, signing letters and giving instructions”.
Archbishop Mbogha carried on the work of his predecessors, including the annual meeting of the Diocesan Pastoral Council established by a diocesan synod. He believed in collegiality and in January 2000 formed a college of vicars general. Aware of the dynamism of the diocesan Curia and communion among his priests, Archbishop Mbogha was at peace with himself.
His last act of courage was to open Bukavu’s evangelisation centenary celebrations with a pilgrimage on September 15 to Nyangezi the first parish founded in 1906.
Charles Mbogha Kambale was born in 1942 in Lubango (Diocese of Butembo-Beni). He was ordained a priest in 1969. In 1972 he joined the Congregation of the Assumptionists. Appointed Bishop of Wamba 1990 - 1995, and then Isiro-Niangara 1996 - 2000, in 2001 he was appointed Archbishop of Bukavu. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/10/2005 righe 40 parole 443)