1969-2019, the MALKIA WA MASHAHIDI Parish celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sunday, September 15, 2019. The Mass was celebrated by his Excellency Bishop UTEMBI TAPA, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kisangani.During this celebration, the Archbishop conferred the sacrament of Confirmation on about a hundred children. Then he blessed a new altar in the parish. Finally, he encouraged the catechists who have given many years of work to the parish by giving everyone a diploma of merit. At the end of the Mass, the Archbishop blessed a new Grotto dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
After the Mass, a parade of Christians from various CEVs and parish groups was organized. It was therefore an opportunity to give thanks to the Lord for this golden jubilee of the parish. May the Lord, through the intercession of Our Lady of Martyrs and St. Daniel Comboni, support and bless the efforts of the Comboni missionaries who provide service in this parish.
Short History of the Parish:
In the "A Short History of the Archdiocese of Kisangani", written by a priest called Buse, we read that Archbishop Nicolas Kinsch, from 1959 to 1968, built a church on the road to Bengamisa, 6 km away, and dedicated it to St. Nicolas, his patron saint. Bishop Fataki, his successor, after the murders of several missionaries, changed the patronage. The church of St. Nicholas became Our Lady of the Martyrs (Malkia wa Mashahidi in Swahili). The parish is located on the left hand of the Tshopo River, on the Kisangani-Buta road.
It consists of the centre and three chapels, with a population of about 3,500 inhabitants (2013). There is a primary school complex. The parish was founded by the Dehonians priests. Since the responsible priest is not a resident, pastoral animation is provided by a lay leader.
Following a meeting with the Provincial Superior of the Comboni Missionaries, on 20 October 1983 Archbishop Fataki appointed Fr. Bepi Simoni as non-resident priest. Edmond Dimonekene is currently appointed as parish priest, assisted by Fr. Mariano Prandi, his vicar.
The choice of the parish is also in view of the formative service it can give to young Comboni Missionary postulants. The pastoral service has always been provided by the confreres of the Comboni house and the St. Joseph house.
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