The National Episcopal Conference of Congo closed its third national Eucharistic congress on Sunday June 11 in Lubumbashi. The thousands of faithful present attended a closing Mass celebrated by Pope Francis’ special envoy, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
During this ceremony, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lubumbashi, Monsignor Fulgence Muteba, denounced the insolent way of life of the political oligarchy in power and the growing misery of the people who languish in the general indifference of the managers of public affairs. The Catholic prelate underlined the monopolization of the dividends of the immense natural resources located in the Congolese territory by an elite in power and unscrupulous multinationals.
In his speeches, Monsignor Fulgence Muteba drew attention to the appalling situation of the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese people are the official owners of the natural resources in their territory but continue to live in misery. The prelate recalled the awareness of the Congolese people that their destiny is in their hands and their attachment to unity and national cohesion.
The Third National Eucharistic Congress brought together bishops and delegations composed in particular of consecrated priests and lay people from the 48 dioceses in the country. In this activity of national scope, the various bishops discussed in depth the challenges facing the Congolese nation also with the participation of foreigners.
The speeches of the bishops, and in particular those of Monsignor Fulgence Muteba, revealed that the Congolese people are determined to fight against injustice and misery. The Catholic Church is a symbol of the unwavering unity of this country. This closing ceremony marks the end of the Third National Eucharistic Congress