Fatshimetrie, July 15, 2024 – On this memorable day of July 15, 2024, an exceptional event took place in Tshumbe, a small remote town in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, a monument was erected to pay homage to Mgr Nicolas Djomo Lola, bishop emeritus of the diocese of Tshumbe. This significant event was celebrated during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of this eminent ecclesiastical figure, arousing emotion and recognition within the local community and beyond.
The initiative to construct this monument is the result of an outpouring of gratitude and respect towards Mgr Nicolas Djomo Lola, whose contribution to the religious and social life of the region is widely praised. The local economic operator, Marc Mukoie, played a major role in bringing this project to fruition, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating key figures in society.
The monument, weighing an imposing 600 kilograms, was specially designed by the Academy of Fine Arts and then carefully transported to Tshumbe to be installed on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. This symbolic gesture testifies to the esteem and admiration that Mgr Nicolas Djomo Lola arouses within his community.
In a moving interview, Mgr Nicolas Djomo Lola expressed his gratitude and pride at this unexpected testimony of affection. Indeed, usually reserved for personalities after their death, commemorative monuments take on a particular dimension here, offering Mgr Nicolas Djomo Lola public recognition of his action and dedication throughout his ecclesiastical career.
The ceremonies organized to celebrate the 80th birthday of Mgr Nicolas Djomo Lola were marked by emotion and solemnity. From the mass of thanksgiving at the Sainte-Anne parish in Kinshasa to the unveiling of the monument in Tshumbe, each moment was an opportunity to pay tribute to an exceptional man whose commitment and wisdom marked entire generations.
As spokesperson for the National Episcopal Conference of Congo, Mgr. Donatien Nshole highlighted the inestimable value of Mgr. Nicolas Djomo Lola for the Church and the Congolese nation. His successor, Mgr Vincent Tshomba, inherited a noble and demanding mission, worthy of the legacy left by this great man with an exemplary career.
In conclusion, the monument erected in honor of Mgr Nicolas Djomo Lola inscribes his name in the history of Tshumbe and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A symbol of recognition and respect, it perpetuates the memory of a good man whose work and life will remain engraved in the memories for generations to come.