In Pace Christi

Bro. Santo Bonzi was born in San Giovanni Bianco, Bergamo, on 10 November 1926. He joined the novitiate in Venegono in 1944 and took his first vows on 7 October 1946. Till 1953 he was busy in various communities in Italy as a brother ad omnia. From 1953 to 1964 he served in the missions of the Sudan where he learned to be a builder. After being expelled from the Sudan, together with all the confreres who were working there, he took part in building projects in Spain, particularly in Moncada. In 1967 Bro. Bonzi arrived in Congo where he began the activity that was only interrupted by his death. Because he was a builder, he had the opportunity to meet many young men and teach them his trade. Some of them learned well enough to start their own business. To them he was a real "brother" who knew how to listen, guide and give sound advice.

He built at Rungu (schools), Ndedu, Nangazizi, Isiro (St. Anne, Cathedral), Gombari, Mungbere, Dungu (Bamokandi), Dungu (Uye), our houses of formation in Kisangani and Magambe, the churches belonging to the White Fathers of Aba, Durba and Makoro, without forgetting Faradje, Bondo, Bambilo, his last places of work. To all these places he went in a spirit of obedience to his superiors and with his typical zeal. He would leave for work early in the morning, at about 4:30 or 5:00, with “his truck,” the workers and the needed equipment. Bro. Santo also knew how to bring life to the community and was often willing to perform extra services in order to promote Christianity. His activities were supported by regular and numerous prayers, especially in the mornings and in the evenings.

It is not surprising then that, when the news of his death spread, many people asked that he be remembered as one of their own and organised funeral services in the Congolese tradition. One of the most striking was the celebration held in Bambilo. The local Christians said that he had died “in their home” and proclaimed a three days mourning period which was concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist, for the first time, in the new church that Bro. Santo had just finished building.

We remember Bro. Santo for the intensity of his prayer life,  fidelity to his vocation, serenity and wisdom.