He recalls Fr. Masivi’s skills as a footballer, describing him as “a good goal keeper” who “made sure all his duties were done perfectly.”
"May his soul rest in peace and the killers be converted," the Caracciolini Priest says in his tribute shared with ACI Africa February 3.
The Superior General of the CRM has described the news of the “assassination” of Fr. Masivi as “sad and shocking” and called for justice.
In a statement obtained by ACI Africa, Fr. Teodoro Kalaw says, “We condemn this murderous act and we pray that due justice will be served soon. We, as a religious family, mourn during this time, united along with the religious community and the parish of St. Michael the Archangel where he was assigned.”
“He, who so generously gave his life to God through the profession of the evangelical councils in our religious family, had his life taken from him in a violent and despicable manner,” Fr. Kalaw says about the late Congolese CRM member, and adds, “He experienced the shadow of the cross and the shedding of his blood will be, in the words of Church Father Tertullian, the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
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The 60th Superior General of the Order of Clerics Regular Minor continues, “Father Richard’s death is a seed that has been planted in the hearts of those who loved him, especially his family, his religious community and his parishioners.”
“Though he was ordained only in 2019, his religious life and priesthood were a model to many,” the Italy-based further says, adding that the late Congolese CRM member “desired to reflect the integrity of what it means to be a good ‘Caracciolino.’”
“Father Richard’s death is not the final story but rather the beginning of new life,” Fr. Kalaw, a native of the U.S. says in his two-page statement dated February 3, and explains in reference to the assassinated Priest, “The loss that we experience is a witness to and recognition of the good that he did and the love that he showed to us when he was among us.”
“Father Richard died a good religious and a good priest. His life will be remembered not only by the African Delegation, but by our entire religious family world-wide,” he further eulogizes his confrere.
He continues, “In his death, he (Fr. Masivi) died in the Lord. Let us pray for him, for his family, and for our own religious family.”
“May we be full of gratitude to God for our brother, for his friendship as a religious and for his work of ministry which had touched so many,” the CRM Superior General implores.
“Fr. Richard thank you for your life testament, thank you for your gift of religious and priestly Life,” Fr. Kalaw says, and adds, “I also extend my deepest condolences to the family of Fr. Richard, relatives and friends. We are all mourning but we mourn with faith, hope and love.”
Fr. Masivi’s Funeral Mass has been scheduled for Saturday, February 5 at the Sanctuary of Saint Francis of Assisi Kaghuntura in Butembo-Beni Diocese, and later laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Musienene.
Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.