BUTEMBO – In the space of 48 hours, the diocese of Butembo-Beni experienced the pure expression of the cycle of Christian life. The local Church celebrated a historic wave of ordinations before collapsing in tears at the funeral of one of its most brilliant educators.
On Sunday, August 2, 2026, the atmosphere was festive at the church in Kitatumba. Bishop Sikuli Paluku Melchisédech celebrated his 28th anniversary as bishop. For the occasion, the local pastor made a significant contribution, ordaining 14 new priests and 13 new deacons. The spiritual renewal was substantial. The Assumptionists accounted for the lion's share with 13 priests ordained. Faced with this surge in numbers, the bishop redrew the map of the diocese, immediately establishing the Vusara/Vuhira sector as a quasi-autonomous parish.
The bishop's homily resonated like a cry of resistance. In a region scarred by massacres and insecurity, Bishop Sikuli refused to remain passive. "Let us not merely be observers of poverty," he insisted. For the prelate, faith had to be translated into actively building peace.
But the jubilation was short-lived. On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the fervor gave way to profound emotion. The crowd gathered once again for a final farewell to Father Aymar Kishindo Matolu. This 45-year-old Assumptionist priest, prefect of the esteemed Kambali Institute, had succumbed to illness.
His colleagues mourned a man of principle, a unifier, and a great sense of humor. His bereaved students vowed to keep his educational spirit alive. The funeral procession made its way to the Mahamba cemetery. Father Aymar now rests there, leaving behind a diocese strengthened by its new priests, but deeply saddened by his untimely passing.
A fitting adage : the earth that receives the tears of mourning is also the one that nourishes the seeds of the future.
TMNews@160826
