Catholic Priests “safe, unharmed” after Armed Robbery at Parish in DR Congo’s Kisangani Archdiocese

In a gesture of solidarity, the Auxiliary Bishop of Kisangani visited the Parish to console and express support for the two Priests affected by the armed robbery.

In a gesture of solidarity, the Auxiliary Bishop of Kisangani visited the Parish to console and express support for the two Priests affected by the armed robbery, assuring them of the local Church’s prayers and closeness during this difficult time.

“I came here on behalf of Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kisangani, to express solidarity and comfort to the Montfort Missionaries who were attacked by heavily armed bandits,” Bishop Léonard Ndjadi Ndjate said following the October 20 visit.

He explained, “The robbers managed to break into the community residence, forcing open the door of Fr. Ignace’s room, who serves as Curate and bursar, and made away with a number of valuable items.”

“They later proceeded to the room of the parish priest, Fr. Aseme. Efforts were made to call for help, but intervention arrived too late to prevent the robbery,” the member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) said.

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There has been a surge in cases of desecration and attacks on Parishes in the DRC in recent times. On May 30, the church of St. Joseph the Worker Tshopo Parish of Kisangani Archdiocese was broken into.

The tabernacle was forcibly opened; the desecrators consumed the Blessed Sacrament.

On June 30, the church of St. Francis of Assisi Luano Parish of Lubumbashi Catholic Archdiocese was desecrated when the desecrators forcefully accessed the building, vandalized the tabernacle, and set on fire hosts.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.