Cardinal Ambongo then denounced the violent conflicts, declaring: “Enough violence, enough barbarity, enough killings and deaths in the dioceses of Uvira, in the east of the DRC, but also enough deaths, enough bloodshed in our Great Lakes sub-region.”
“Why so much blood? Why so much violence?” he asked, before observing: “Violence and war are the fruit of thoughtlessness. Violence and death are the work of people who stray from the path of intelligence and wisdom. It is the work of people, foolish people, who have neither the fear of God nor respect for man, created in the image and likeness of God.”
“God does not like violence. God does not like categorical divisions. God does not like conflicts. Armed conflicts degrade man. Instead of making him grow, conflicts, wars and divisions lower us. And deprive man of the dignity of a child of God,” he stressed, adding: “Violence, conflicts and war are the work of the devil and his minions who sow desolation and death.”
The beatification on August 18 was the culmination of months of preparations by the Diocese of Uvira, which saw the city come alive with the arrival of thousands of pilgrims from across the DRC and beyond. A prayer triduum and two days of conferences preceded the beatification liturgy.
Earlier, in April, members of the Provincial Episcopal Assembly of Bukavu (ASSEPB) had hailed the planned beatification as a sign of the dynamism of the people of God and the heroism of priests and religious men and women amid the security challenges of the DRC.
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“We give thanks to God for the gift of joy and life that he continues to bestow on our local churches,” ASSEPB members said in their collective statement on April 14, in which they denounced “endemic insecurity.”
Fathers Carrara and Didoné, as well as Brother Faccin, were killed on November 28, 1964 in Baraka and Fizi, two localities in the diocese of Uvira.
A military jeep stopped at the Baraka church and, amidst the chaos, a rebel leader ordered Brother Faccin to board the vehicle. His refusal had a tragic outcome, as he was unceremoniously shot dead.
Father Carrara, who was hearing confessions, left the church and, rather than obey the attackers, knelt down next to his fallen brother. His unwavering solidarity cost him his life, becoming another victim of this senseless violence.
A few hours later, in Fizi, Fathers Didoné and Joubert suffered the same fate. The rebel squadron arrived in Fizi and its leader knocked on the mission door, killing Father Didoné in cold blood when he appeared at the door and, shortly after, Father Joubert.
Father Luigi Carrara
Born in 1933, Father Luigi was known for his courage and deep faith. As a missionary in Baraka, he dedicated himself to the education and spiritual accompaniment of members of the local community.
Father Giovanni Didone
Father Didoné, born in 1930, distinguished himself by his tireless service and love for the most deprived. Working in Fizi, he became a pillar of support and spiritual accompaniment for many people.
Father Vittorio Faccin
Born in 1934, he was known for his compassion and dedication to the sick and less fortunate.
P. Albert Joubert
A diocesan priest, Father Albert worked hand in hand with the Xaverian missionaries. His apostolate in Fizi and his martyrdom alongside Father Didoné underline his commitment to the mission and his courage in the face of adversity.
