Bukavu: over 30-thousand at mass celebrated by monsignor Kataliko

Between 30 and 40-thousand Christians of South Kivu (East Democratic Republic of Congo) attended the mass yesterday in front of the Cathedral of Bukavu, celebrated by the Archbishop Emmanuel Kataliko, who has just returned from over seven months of exile. The mass was concelebrated by various religious figures of eastern ex-Zaire, including the Bishop of Butembo (North Kivu), Monsignor Melkisedek Sikuli, the Apostolic Administrator and Vicar General of Uvira (South Kivu), respectively Monsignor Rolando Trevisan and Monsignor Milenge and the Vicar General of Kindu. There was a total of around 130 priests - explained our MISNA sources - and the liturgy lasted about 5 hours. According to our same sources, the presence of the Anglican Bishop of Kivu at the ceremony recalled the joint efforts of all the region's religious leaders for Monsignor Kataliko's return to Bukavu. Also the authorities of the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD-Goma) that control South Kivu, were represented at the mass by Governor Katintima Bashengezi and his deputy, Ernest Mundjio. Monsignor Kataliko returned four days ago after seven months of exile, begun on the 12th of February by order of the RCD-Goma. The prelate remained in Butembo, his city of origin, because banned until last Thursday from returning to Bukavu. Various international figures had spoken ut for the prelates return to his archdiocese, including Pope John Paul II. (BO)