The beatification of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi: when integrity and justice become martyrs of the faith
In the tumult of today’s world, where corruption and dishonesty seem to reign supreme, there are examples that shine like stars in the night. Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a young Congolese Catholic murdered in 2007 in Goma, embodies this light in the darkness. His beatification, authorized by Pope Francis, reminds us how integrity and justice can become martyrs of the faith.
Floribert, born in 1981, worked as an office manager at the Congolese Control Office (OCC). It was by refusing to validate the entry of spoiled food from Rwanda that he sealed his fate. Despite bribes and pressure, he remained inflexible, putting his own life at risk to preserve public health. His faith and principles were unwavering, his actions guided by a deep conviction: to live for Christ and not for the perishable goods of this world.
A devoted member of the Community of Sant’Egidio, Floribert devoted his free time to helping street children, thus demonstrating his love for his neighbor and his commitment to the most deprived. His commitment was not limited to words, but translated into concrete actions, at the risk of his own safety.
His brutal assassination, described as a martyrdom by the Catholic Church, reveals the depth of his commitment to truth and justice. Archbishop Faustin Ngabu emphasized that Floribert lost his life because of his honesty, thus transforming his death into a powerful testimony to his Christian faith.
During his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023, Pope Francis highlighted Floribert’s example before thousands of young people, emphasizing his courage and resistance to corruption. Floribert could have taken the easy way out, but he chose to remain true to his values, preferring to die rather than betray his conscience.
Today, the beatification of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi reminds us that integrity and justice are precious values, worthy of being defended even at the risk of one’s life. His story invites us to reflect on our own choices, on the strength of our convictions and on the transformative power of faith. Floribert remains an inspiring role model for all those who aspire to a more just and honest society, where truth and righteousness guide our actions.