On this memorable day of October 15, 2024, an event of capital importance took place in Kinshasa. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa had the honor of meeting a delegation of notables from the Haut-Uélé province, led by the eminent Monsignor Donatien Nshole. The fruitful exchanges between these leading personalities revolved around the preparations for the 60th anniversary of the martyrdom of Sister Marie-Clémentine Anuarite Nengapeta, an emblematic figure of Congolese faith and resilience.
The delegation, carried by fervor and devotion, expressed its aspirations to carry out pilgrimages following in the footsteps of Anuarite, passing through places steeped in history such as Kisangani, Wamba and Isiro. In addition, a major challenge emerged from their aspirations: the construction of large sanctuaries in memory of Blessed Anuarite, to perpetuate her spiritual heritage and her message of peace.
Monsignor Donatien Nshole, in his capacity as spiritual guide and spokesperson for this delegation, stressed the importance of this commemorative event for the Catholic Church and for the Congolese nation as a whole. The values embodied by Anuarite, a symbol of purity and devotion, remain essential pillars for the promotion of humanity and the construction of a society imbued with moral and ethical values.
Faced with these requests imbued with conviction and faith, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa committed to actively supporting these initiatives. She quickly announced the establishment of a committee dedicated to the proper conduct of the preparations, with emphasis on the construction of the future sanctuary in Isiro, a symbolic place in memory of Anuarite.
A committed woman and daughter of the Church, Judith Suminwa reaffirmed her Government’s desire to support the Catholic Church in this memorial and spiritual process. She promised her active presence at the commemorative ceremony, thus demonstrating her respect and support for the values held by Blessed Anuarite.
In conclusion, the story of Marie-Clémentine Anuarite Nengapeta, marked by martyrdom and beatification, remains a spiritual and moral heritage of inestimable richness for the Congolese people. Through the upcoming commemorative events, it is a vibrant tribute to an emblematic figure of faith and courage that Congolese society intends to celebrate, reminding everyone of the importance of preserving and promoting the human and spiritual values essential to building a strong and united nation.