ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEW BLESSED FROM CONGO

Announcement of a New Blessed from Congo Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, from Congo, will be proclaimed Blessed on June 15, 2025. The Congolese layman, Floribert Bwana Chui, recognized as a “Martyr of fidelity and moral integrity,” will be beatified on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Rome, at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, during the celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. In announcing this joyful event, Bishop Willy Ngumbi M. Afr, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Goma, DRC, explained that the date and location of the beatification were confirmed by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. The martyrdom of the Servant of God Floribert Bwana Chui, a faithful Catholic layman from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who died at the age of 26 in 2007, was officially recognized by the late Pope Francis on November 25, 2024. On that date, Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decree for his beatification. On April 20, 2025, Easter Sunday, Bishop Ngumbi issued a pastoral letter announcing with joy to the faithful that this young layman, described as a model of “fidelity and moral integrity,” would soon be declared Blessed. “This joy is now confirmed, since the Dicastery has fixed the date and place: Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Rome, during the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Trinity,” wrote Bishop Ngumbi. Life and Witness of Floribert Bwana Chui Floribert was born on June 13, 1981, in Goma, DRC, and was killed there on July 8, 2007, out of religious hatred. Coming from a wealthy family, he studied law and economics and became known as a faithful worker who lived the Gospel in both word and action. He began his professional career in Kinshasa as a customs officer at the Congolese Office of Control (OCC), responsible for inspecting goods crossing the eastern border of the DRC. Later, he was transferred to Goma as head of the OCC office. During his studies, he had joined the Community of Sant’Egidio, dedicating himself to helping orphans and street children. In his professional duties, Floribert faced a grave moral test: he was pressured to allow the entry of unfit food products imported from neighboring Rwanda without proper documents and health clearance. The goods were unsafe for human consumption in the DRC. According to witnesses: “Floribert chose death rather than allow such food to enter the country and endanger countless lives.” Martyrdom His refusal to accept bribes linked to this illegal import of toxic food was the direct cause of his death. Floribert believed it was morally unacceptable to pocket a few dollars while endangering the lives of many. Instead, he ordered the destruction of expired rice bags and refused the bribes. Because of this integrity, he was kidnapped and murdered. Colleagues testified that Floribert often said: “Money will pass quickly. But what about those who will eat this food? Am I living for Christ or not? That is why I cannot accept. It is better to die than to accept this money.” On the night of July 7–8, 2007, at the age of 25, Floribert was kidnapped and killed in Goma for refusing corruption and blocking the distribution of poisonous food. Bishop Faustin Ngabu of Goma declared: “Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi died because he was truthful and faithful to his Christian faith. He showed great courage and freedom in a very difficult situation. His death is a powerful witness to the strength of Christian faith.” Thanksgiving Celebration Following the beatification in Rome, a Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated in Goma on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the anniversary of his martyrdom. Bishop Ngumbi emphasized that this beatification is a source of hope and a call to gratitude to God, who continues to work wonders. He stressed that Floribert’s martyrdom is an honor for the Church in Congo and the Diocese of Goma, urging everyone to commit more strongly to justice, peace, fraternity, and faith in the Risen Christ. Floribert will be the fourth Congolese to be declared Blessed, after: Blessed Anuarite Nengapeta Blessed Isidore Bakanja Blessed Fr. Albert Joubert, beatified on August 18, 2024 in Uvira, together with three Xaverian missionaries. Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to people of goodwill. The blood of martyrs is the seed of faith. Praised be Jesus Christ.