MISNA
Congo DR
04.21.00
Monsignor Emmanuel Kataliko, Archbishop of Bukavu (South Kivu), is still confined to Butembo (North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo). In absence of the prelate - explained our MISNA sources - a liturgy of the word was celebrated yesterday in the Cathedral of the administrative centre instead of the traditional Holy Thursday 'chrism mass'. At the same time, Archbishop Kataliko blessed the oils that today will be brought to Bukavu by two priests and consigned to the respective diocesans who will bring them to the parishes. Meanwhile, always yesterday in Bukavu, the one week "beer and other bottled beverages" strike concluded. 'Around 50% of the population of the administrative centre adhered - referred our MISNA sources - despite the limited publicity given to the initiative'. The abstention from consuming all bottled beverages had in fact been threatened, by representatives of the civil society of South Kivu, if the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD-Goma) failed to meet the 8 demands contained in a document released two weeks ago. One of the requests - reminded our sources - was the return to Bukavu of Monsignor Kataliko, who since the 12th of February has been relegated to Butembo by RCD authorities. (BO)