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Priestly Ordination of Comboni Deacon Lwanzo Kapanza in the DR Congo
Thursday, February 26, 2026
On 15th February, in an atmosphere filled with emotion and hope, the Diocese of Butembo-Beni experienced an event of great spiritual significance: the priestly ordination of Deacon Lwanzo Muhindo Kapanza, a Comboni missionary. The celebration was presided over by Bishop Sikuli Paluku Melchisédech of Butembo-Beni in the parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Kitatumba. Together with fourteen other new priests — thirteen diocesan and one other religious — Fr Lwanzo generously responded to the Lord’s call.
The celebration was far more than a liturgical rite: it was a real sign of light in a context marked by trials. While the province of North Kivu continues to face the painful realities of war and insecurity, the local Church revealed her most beautiful face: a fervent community, united and supportive.
The joy was tangible. The singing, the prayers and the fervent participation of the faithful bore witness to a living faith that refuses to be crushed by difficulties. In the heart of adversity, God continues to call and young people continue to answer “yes”. These ordinations send a strong message: hope is stronger than fear.
As a Comboni missionary, Fr Lwanzo stands within the great tradition of the charism of Daniel Comboni, directed towards evangelisation and service to the most vulnerable. His commitment is a reminder that mission is not merely a geographical destination, but a total gift of oneself for the proclamation of the Gospel and for the building of a more fraternal society.
The day after his ordination, Fr Lwanzo celebrated his first Mass in his home parish, surrounded by his family and his Comboni confrères, who serves the diocese with dedication. It was a moment of deep communion and thanksgiving.
The Christian community welcomed with pride and gratitude this son of the land who has become a priest for the universal Church.
This celebration of the “first fruits” was also an important moment of missionary animation and vocational promotion. Through his witness, Fr Lwanzo encouraged young people not to be afraid to give their lives to Christ and to his Church. His journey becomes a living sign that, even in the most fragile contexts, God continues to sow vocations and to raise up artisans of peace.
Let us pray to the Lord that this ordination may bring renewal of faith and missionary commitment to the Diocese of Butembo-Beni and to the Comboni family, so that they may proclaim the Good News and denounce everything that wounds the dignity of the human person and of all creation.
Fr Mumbere Kahongya Mapenzi, mccj