“Simple yet profound”: Germany-based Nigerian Spiritan Eulogizes Pioneer Catholic Bishop of Alindao, CAR

Bangui, 31 October, 2024 / 9:58 PM

Bishop Peter Marzinkowski, the pioneer Local Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Alindao in the Central African Republic (CAR), who died October 21 has been remembered for touching many lives in his “simple yet profound” approach to life.

Aged 85, Bishop Marzinkowski died in his native Western European country of Germany following a “short period of illness”, members of the Central African Episcopal Conference (CECA) announced in a statement ACI Africa obtained.

In a note shared with ACI Africa, Fr. Samuel Mgbecheta, a Germany-based member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans/Holy Ghost Fathers), pays a glowing tribute to the Priestly and Episcopal Ministry of his late confrere.

“Bishop Marzinkowski’s approach was simple yet profound. He met people where they were – he listened to them, spoke their language, and shared their struggles. For him, the Gospel was alive in the everyday realities of his people’s lives,” Fr. Mgbecheta says .in his Tuesday, October 29 tribute.

The Nigerian-born Catholic Priest overseeing the print and digital media of the Spiritans in Germany says that “as a defender of the poor and a peacemaker in a war-torn country, he (Bishop Marzinkowski) has found his peace.” 

Humility characterized the ministry of Bishop Marzinkowski, he says, and recognizes with appreciation “his commitment to the spirit of the Second Vatican Council ... which he experienced first-hand as a student in Rome.”

“He was known for stopping at villages during his travels to have brief pastoral conversations with locals and address their pressing concerns,” Fr. Mgbecheta eulogizes his confrere, adding that he prioritized “direct contact with the Christians in his diocese” and that he was “a hands-on Bishop who actively listens to events and problems.”

The Spiritan Priest goes on to recall Bishop Marzinkowski’s love for conversations with people he encountered during his pastoral visits in what he described as “pastoral discussions” and his familiarity with leaders at the grassroots, including “the parish leaders, the parish councillors, the catechists.”

The late Catholic Church leader is remembered for giving counsel that was “very pragmatic and relevant” from which “Christians draw strength”, Fr. Mgbecheta says.

The Bishop’s pastoral approach, he says, was “rooted in the Gospel and the concrete circumstances of people's lives. The important thread that runs through all [his] plans and decisions is the question: What serves people here and now in this situation? Where can they encounter God?"

Born in March 1939 in Liegnitz in the Archdiocese of Wrocław {Breslavia}, Poland, present day Germany, the late Spiritan Bishop studied in Breslavia and in Rome at the Gregorian University. 

He made his first profession in the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers in 1961 and perpetual profession in 1964. He was ordained a Priest in July 1968 and sent on mission to the Central African Republic.

He was appointed Bishop of Alindao Diocese in December 2004 and retired in March 2014.

In his note shared with ACI Africa on October 29, Fr. Mgbecheta recalled the late Bishop spending “his retirement with his confreres in the community of Knechtsteden.”

“The first six years went well, and he remained in reasonably good health. On Sundays and feast days, he celebrated Pontifical Mass in the Basilica of Knechtsteden. However, in 2020, health challenges began to take their toll on him, but Peter Marzinkowski faced them with his usual calm demeanour. He never wanted to be a burden to anyone,” the Spiritan Priest narrates.

The  holder an M.A. in International Media Studies from the Deutsche Welle Akademie, the University of Bonn-Rhein Sieg and the University of Bonn recalls that “in the last few weeks, his health deteriorated rapidly. On September 27, he received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in the presence of his confreres, some employees from the Spiritan community in Knechtsteden, and friends.”

“It was a simple, beautiful, and moving celebration held in his apartment. He was fully present and visibly rejoiced in this sacramental strengthening, appreciating the support of God and all those gathered,” Fr. Mgbecheta recalls.

The late Catholic Bishop, he goes on to recall, “remained committed to the Community of Saint Egidio throughout his life.”

“It is no surprise that in 2009, he received the Winfried Prize from the city of Fulda,” Fr. Mgbecheta says about the prize that Dr. H.G. Waider Foundation has awarded since 2001 to recognize individuals who promote peace and understanding among nations, following the example of St. Boniface.

In his death, Bishop Marzinkowski has “arrived at his destination, side by side with his Lord, whom he strived to serve in his many roles as a Priest, religious superior, educator, and shepherd,” Fr. Mgbecheta eulogizes his confrere, who is to be laid to rest on November 4.

“May our confrere Bishop Marzinkowski also find joy in the eternal presence of his Lord,” the Germany-based Nigerian Spiritan implores.