MISNA
Congo DR
10.10.00
The funeral of Monsignor Emmanuel Kataliko, Archbishop of Bukavu (South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo), was celebrated at 10:00 (local time) this morning in his Archdiocese. Over 100-thousand people assisted the ceremony held in the immense ring-shaped square surrounding the Cathedral. The entire area was closely patrolled by soldiers of the APR (Rwandan Patriotic Brigade), though no incidents were reported during the 5-hour ceremony, which was presided by the envoy of the Congolese Bishops Conference, Monsignor Jérôme Nday Kanyangu Lukundwe, Bishop of Kongolo, assisted by other eight prelates: Monsignor Charles Mbogha, Bishop of Isiro-Niangara; Monsignor Melchisedech Sikuli, Bishop of Butembo-Beni; Monsignor Faustin Ngabu, Bishop of Goma; Monsignor Timothée Pirigisha Mukombe, Emerit Bishop of Kasongo; Monsignor Augustin Misago, Bishop of Gikongoro (Rwanda); Monsignor Thaddée Ntihinyurwa, Archbishop of Kigali (Rwanda); Monsignor Servilien Nzakamwita, Bishop of Byumba (Rwanda); Monsignor Jean Damascène Bimenyimana, Bishop of Cyangugu (Rwanda). The ceremony was concelebrated by around two-hundred priests. Large delegations of every religious confession of the region attended. The military authorities were represented by Commander Kasereka, head of the army of South Kivu; the civil authorities by Bizima Karaha, head of the interior security department. During the homily, Monsignor Nday remembered Monsignor Kataliko as a testimony of truth, liberty and peace. While the moving description of the Archbishop's last day of life in Rome (Italy) and his spiritual testament was expressed by the secretary of the Congolese Bishops Conference, Abbé Kabunga: "the Bishop is a Pastor, the voice of the voiceless and cannot be silenced in front of injustice and untruth, he must stand up for the weaker". (BO)