The first Schoenstatt Shrine in the Democratic Republic of Congo

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, Fr. Hermenegilde Coyitungiye •

The walls are up and it is already recognizable as a Schoenstatt Shrine: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the diocese of Uvira (province of South Kivu), the first Schoenstatt Shrine is being built. —

The Schoenstatt Movement spread from Burundi to the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Schoenstatt Fathers and students who found refuge in eastern Congo. The diocese of Uvira is the point of reference, since Bishop Jerome Gapangwa gave the official authorization for the Schoenstatt Movement there in 1998.

A new location in Uvira, Congo,  in the midst of the pandemic

In October 2020, when COVID hit with full force, the Schoenstatt Fathers opened a branch in the diocese of Uvira. Three Fathers were sent to take charge of the parish of the Good Shepherd in Kalundu, entrusted to them by the bishop of the diocese, Bishop Sebastien Muyengo.

On October 27th, the Jubilee Year of the presence of the Schoenstatt Movement in Congo was opened. On the same day, the first stone for the construction of the first Schoenstatt Shrine in Uvira was blessed by the Vicar General of the diocese, Bishop Honoré, in the presence of all the Schoenstatt Fathers from Burundi, as well as the clergy and some religious who work in the small town of Uvira.

Future Shrine in Uvira, Congo

She sets the times and dates

Future Shrine in Uvira, Congo

We had hoped to dedicate this Shrine during the Jubilee celebrations in October 2023, but the lack of funds prevented us from completing the work in time. However, I must also say that the Blessed Mother wanted to show us that she is primarily responsible for the work.

On the day of the laying of the foundation stone, we introduced the artist who would carve the altar and the interior of the Shrine, Mr. Bernard Bidgendako, who had already worked on the Shrine at Mount Sion Gikungu. After the celebration, he fell seriously ill and we did not know who else could take over the work. An operation on his head, which revealed a benign tumor, saved him, although the operation in Kenya was not without risk. After the operation, he recovered well and continued his work.

A shrine in the mountains overlooking Lake Tanganyika

The construction began in August of 2023, although it seems impossible, and we have seen that it is progressing well, with the joy that the Blessed Mother will take her throne there. The Shrine will be built on a hill overlooking Lake Tanganyika with a beautiful view.

The community of the Schoenstatt Fathers plans to build a spiritual center there to serve the people of eastern Congo who are being mistreated by the various armed groups, in the hope that the Mother Thrice Admirable will be glorified. After the Shrine, the project includes the construction of a sacristy, a house for the Fathers who will take care of the Shrine, and a multi-purpose hall that can be used to receive large groups of pilgrims or for the various formation courses that will be organized.

The date for the installation of the bell has not yet been set, but it is expected to be around October 2024, especially given the availability of the tabernacle and a good bell, which could be earlier. However, I believe the date will be set soon.

It is an honor to be part of the construction of the first shrine….

It is an honor for us, the editorial staff of schoenstatt.org, to be able to participate in the construction of this first Shrine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by sharing this note and these photos.

Through prayers, contributions to the Capital of Grace, and also through donations, many of us can participate in this Shrine at the summit of Lake Tanganyika. Donate now.

Future Shrine in Uvira, Congo

Original: French / Sppanish. Translation: Maria Fischer @schoenstatt.org