Today, 7 November 2022, the Blessed Sacrament Congregation in its mission of being established in Katanga has just completed a year to the day of its existence in the diocese of Sakania-Kipushi. Beginning with a Mass of thanksgiving celebrated by Mgr Gaston Mofya Kibilo, in the absence of the Bishop, Mgr Gaston Ruvezi who was prevented from being present, the day passed in a beautiful atmosphere.

The strong message of this celebration addressed to everyone was: struggle to go all the way, despite the difficulties we may encounter; move forward, despite the pitfalls for the life of a Christian is a struggle.

The parish of the Blessed Sacrament at Kilobelobe, in the diocese of Sakania-Kipushi, was canonically erected on 7 November 2021. It is located in the southeast of the archdiocese of Lubumbashi. Entrusted to the Religious of the Blessed Sacrament, its parish priest is Father Jérôme Ngantete, the assistant parish priest is Father Louis Bunga, and the Intern Brother Fiston Gérard Mangala.

1. Pastoral map

The new parish of the Blessed Sacrament at Kilobelobe is entirely rural. It comprises 3 large pastoral areas. First, there is the area where the parish church, parish administrative structures and some social works are situated. This is Kilobelobe. It is at the northern border of Lubumbashi. It consists of several villages set up in 5 large CEVs (Basic Living Ecclesial Communities). The parish church is situated 12 km from the city centre of Lubumbashi. Not having a presbytery, the team of priests in charge of the parish does not live there, but resides provisionally in the neighbouring parish, at the episcopal residence, a distance of 7 km away. Then, there is the vast area or sub-parish of Saint Agatha of Mutambalile, which encompasses 7 communities-chapels and 2 schools. It is centrally located. Finally, there is the most distant zone or the Holy Cross sub-parish of Sokotela with its 9 communities-chapels, more than 70 km from the centre of the parish. This is in the southern zone of the parish.

2. Principle activities

   a) Ordinary parish ministry

These essentially consist in liturgical celebrations, the administration of the sacraments, visits to communities, providing moral and spiritual comfort for the weak through listening and presence, raising people’s awareness about being responsible for their integral development, the care that children and adolescents be encouraged and kept school, etc.

   b) School ministry

School administration, spiritual and moral animation of the teaching staff and students.

   c) Some existing social works and those to be created

Schools, health centre, recovery centre for wayward young girls, literacy centre for adults, playgrounds, associations and cooperatives of rural market gardeners, etc.

3. Visit of the Vicar General and Provincial Vicar

Before the Provincial Chapter, Father Agostinho Maholele, in his capacity as General Consultor and in charge of Africa accompanied by the Provincial Vicar, Father Patrick Adidolo, on Saturday 29 May 2022 visited the community of Kilobelobe served by the religious of the Blessed Sacrament of Blessed Isidore Bakanja Province.

On Sunday 30 May 2022, the solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, a warm welcome was given them at the Parish led by Father Jérôme Ngantete the parish priest, Father Louis Bunga the assistant parish priest, the lay coordination team as well as by all the faithful of the parish. A march was organized in their honour from the entrance of the parish compound to the church, where a solemn Mass was celebrated by Father Jérôme and the homily was delivered by Father Patrick Adidolo. After the Mass, we convivially shared a fraternal meal followed by a popular traditional dance.

On Wednesday 31 May, after the meeting with Monsignor Gaston Ruvezi, the bishop of the diocese of Sakania-Kipushi, the Fathers were received by all the superiors of the communities, priests, men and women religious of the deanery of the Kafubu valley.

Ending their visit on 1 June, they departed for Kinshasa on 2 June 2022.

Father Jérôme Ngantete, sss
Parish Priest