From Bribe to Beatification: The Inspiring Journey of a Congo Martyr

GOMA, Congo (AP) — The remains of a Congolese customs worker who was killed for resisting a bribe and recently beatified by the Vatican were transferred from a public cemetery to a cathedral in Congo’s eastern city of Goma during a special Mass on Tuesday.

Hundreds of Catholic faithful gathered at Saint Joseph Cathedral to pay tribute to Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, who was kidnapped and killed in 2007 by unidentified assailants after he refused to allow spoiled rice from neighboring Rwanda to cross the border.

The Vatican beatified Kositi during a ceremony in Rome. Pope Francis recognized him as a martyr of the faith late last year, paving the way for his beatification and potential sainthood as Congo’s first saint. This aligns with Francis’ broader interpretation of martyrdom as a social justice concept, allowing those who died while doing God’s work and following the Gospel to be considered for sainthood.

In the conflict-torn city of Goma, where years of war have intensified both desperation and corruption, Kositi’s beatification has brought some comfort to those mourning his loss.

Some attendees wore shirts and vibrant traditional attire featuring Kositi’s portrait, while others waved flags proclaiming him a martyr of honesty and moral integrity.

Aline Minani, a close friend of Kositi, emphasized the profound significance of the beatification for the local community.

“We now have an advocate, someone who can testify for us and speak on our behalf to God, so that we may realize Floribert’s dream: to see everyone united at the same table,” Minani said.

She described the ceremony as a moment of deep collective emotion, adding, “We’re all celebrating with immense gratitude. There’s an overwhelming sense of emotion, and it feels like a ray of hope for our region and country. Today, we’re honoring a Congolese Blessed from our own city, and it fills our hearts with joy.”

Marie Juudi, another Mass attendee, urged young people in Goma and across Congo to follow Kositi’s example.

“He stood against corruption to save lives. Our country continues to struggle with development due to rampant corruption and dishonesty,” she stated.

Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu of Lubumbashi, who also serves as president of the Congolese bishops’ conference, called the beatification a powerful call to action in the fight against corruption.

He added that it also conveys a message of hope.

“Regardless of how severe our current challenges are, we must strive for peace, and peace is something we must build together,” Muteba emphasized.

Eastern Congo has been plagued by conflict involving over 100 armed groups, with the most powerful backed by Rwanda, resulting in millions of deaths since the 1990s.

The violence escalated earlier this year when the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced and captured Goma, followed by another strategic city, Bukavu.

Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the Congo River Alliance that includes the M23, was present at the Mass.