Fr. Paulin Batahirwa, s.x.

Xaverian Ordained Priest in a Tried Land

Fr. Paulin Batahirwa (from Xaverian Mission Newsletter)

The little village of Bitale, in the diocese of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, rejoiced recently with the priestly ordination of its native son, Paulin Batahirwa, Xaverian missionary.  Hundreds from the surrounding Christian communities gathered to celebrate with the newly ordained.

 

The Xaverians arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (then called just Congo, then Zaire) in 1958, when the nation was attaining its independence from Belgium.  They multiplied mission stations, built schools, prepared leaders and provided for the birth of numerous new Christian communities.  Attention was given, above all, to the younger generations to provide them with a sense of justice, dignity of work, openness to others, in charity and mercy.

 

The new nation has passed through many difficult moments of transition toward democracy, with a great deal of suffering on the part of many.  Thousands have lost their lives through the recent decades.  During one of those difficult times, the civil war of 1964, three Xaverians, John Didone', Louis Carrara, and Victor Faccin, were martyred out of fidelity to the Lord Jesus.

 

The Christian communities, however, have grown so that, in many instances, native leaders could assume the responsibility of the local Church, and the Xaverians could dedicate their time more in the works of collaboration and formation.

 

However, civil and tribal strives have exploded again in these last years.  And the diocese of Bukavu has lived through unusually stormy times.  On October 29, 1996, its Archbishop Christopher Munzihirwa was killed in cold blood during a military attack on the city. 

Anguish and sufferings notwithstanding, the Christian who is persecuted in the cause of justice finds peace of spirit in his deep and whole assent to God, according to the vocation which will perhaps lead him to death; with the desire and the hope that his enemies will one day be converted to the love of all.
Archbishop Christopher Munzihirwa

 

Affectionately known as "the Sentinel," he was out on an errand of mercy to seek permission of the military governor for his people to go out provide food since "hunger was killing many."  Only a few days before he had said to his people: "Anguish and sufferings notwithstanding, the Christian who is persecuted in the cause of justice finds peace of spirit in his deep and whole assent to God, according to the vocation which will perhaps lead him to death; with the desire and the hope that his enemies will one day be converted to the love of all." 

 

His successor, bishop Kataliko, led his Church only a few years before being cut down by a heart attack last October while in Rome for a meeting of the African bishops with the Holy Father.

 

But from Congo tried by so many ordeals come also good, happy and heartening news.  Last November, native Xaverian Paulin Batahirwa, was ordained a priest in the new Church of Cahi, in Bukavu.  The same bishop Kataliko was expected to be the ordaining celebrant whom the Lord called to himself only the month before. 

 

Who imposed the hands and invoked the Holy Spirit over Paulin was bishop Malchisedek Sikuli of Butem, aided by some 50 priests concelebrants.

 

Fr. Paulin is the 12th Xaverian priest of Congolese origin.  After Mass, a festive reception for hundreds of people was prepared by the various parish organizations and communities.  In the two following Sundays, Fr. Paulin celebrated Mass in his native village of Bitale and in his parish Church of Bunjo-kiri, which had been closed for several years because of the intermittent tribal wars and battles in the region.  Xaverian missionary Fr. Simeon Vavassori, had followed the community at a distance.

 

Fr. Paulin is already in the mission of Taiwan, Asia, having joined the "Xaverian China group" there.  He follows on the footsteps of other Congolese Xaverians who are now dispersed in various parts of the world, missionaries proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.  Best Wishes and Prayers, Fr. Paulin!

 

Fr. Paulin Batahirwa (from Xaverian Mission Newsletter) » More