Martyr in Burundi

Chapter 6. In the company of a Crucifix and Our Lady

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Catina Gubert - In the company of the Crucifix and our Lady

Carla Rossi, a volunteer nurse who spent time in Buyengero, remembers the qualities of this holy woman. “Who is Catina? I asked Fr. Modesto, and he told me: ‘She’s a retired woman who worked in Rumeza and in Tanzania. She will be very helpful in this parish and in the clinic, and she knows how to deal with the people.’ He was right on target.

Catina, at that time, had trouble talking to people because of her kiswahili (Tanzania) and Kirundi (Burundi), but the people understood her well, and they loved her. Some of the people from Rumeza came to visit her, and remembered the friendship of years past.  Simple people showed a dear affection for Catina, for she sowed the seed in the past, and now she was reaping the fruits.

The words ‘Katina – imiti – binini’ were repeated together by them.  ‘Catina – medicines – tablets.’ She became the organizers of the parish pharmacy of Buyengero. But she was never satisfied with ‘binini’, for she paid attention about personal problems of the families in need. Often she would ask me advise about how to take care of a little boy who did not have a family to rely upon, and she became his new mother.  And she would also keep an eye on the parish church, and would mend clothing for the poor.

Catina’s answer to her vocation was charity, availability, and attention to the least brothers and sisters. She was deeply spiritual, and did not compromised with those moments of prayer with the Lord. She would join the Xaverian community for morning and evening prayer, Eucharist, weekly Holy Hour, and sharing of the Word.
Carla Rossi on Ms. Catina Gubert

During the Summer of 1994 packages arrived from Europe for the decoration of the new church. The biggest objects were the statues of the Crucifix and of Our Lady. But the church was not yet ready for these, and so Catina volunteered her room for a temporary space for these large statues.  If you would have entered her room, you could see that the only place available was her bed, for the statues and many boxes were piled up all over her room.  She felt in good company.”

The Good Samaritan on the Road

Once I moved to Rumeza, - continues Carla Rossi - I would spend some days with them from time to time. I even decided to surprise them with my visit, since there was a group of construction workers going from Rumeza to Buyengero. But in the midst of the many short cuts, I twisted my ankle, and could not continue. I quickly wrote a note in a paper napkin, and sent it along with one of the workers.

Before I could have imagine, here came Fr. Ottorino and Catina with bandages, cream, and other medical supplies… from their personal emergency kits. They shared all from their generous hearts. Catina was there to attend to my ankle, to listen to me, to encourage me, and bring more serenity in my difficult mission service.

Catina’s answer to her vocation was charity, availability, and attention to the least brothers and sisters. She was deeply spiritual, and did not compromised with those moments of prayer with the Lord. She would join the Xaverian community for morning and evening prayer, Eucharist, weekly Holy Hour, and sharing of the Word. This total sharing of herself brought her to risk everything, and so she even offered her life.”

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