Joy and Pride in Goma as Congolese Martyr is Beatified
In a momentous ceremony held at the Vatican in Rome, Pope Francis recognized the bravery and conviction of Floribèrt Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a 26-year-old Congolese customs worker who was kidnapped and killed in 2007 for refusing to accept a bribe. This act of defiance and honesty has earned him the title of martyr, and on Sunday, Catholics from Goma and his relatives watched with pride as he was beatified.
Kositi’s story is one of courage and integrity. As an official with the Congolese government’s customs quality control office, he knew the risks of resisting bribes offered to public officials. However, he also knew the dangers of allowing spoiled food to be distributed to the most vulnerable members of society. His refusal to compromise his values ultimately led to his tragic death, but his legacy lives on as a powerful symbol of justice and honesty.
For Justine Kanyere Kavuo, a relative of Kositi, the beatification ceremony was a deeply moving experience. "It’s a joyful feeling to be able to follow this ceremony live," she said. "We’re happy because today, the universal church recognised him as a martyr of honesty and justice." Kavuo’s words reflect the sense of pride and joy felt by many in Goma, where Kositi is now celebrated as a national hero.
The local church diocese played a significant role in commemorating Kositi’s beatification, organizing prayer sessions and displaying giant posters in the streets of Goma to remind the city’s population of the event. Célestin Kanyabiriri, head of the local organizing committee, saw Kositi’s beatification as a sign from the Lord, inviting the community to become apostles of honesty and moral integrity, especially in matters of financial management.
As Catholics gathered in front of the church to buy commemorative cloths bearing Kositi’s image, the sense of celebration and reverence was palpable. For Olive Njemba, a faithful member of the Catholic Church, the occasion was a reminder that Kositi’s death was not in vain. "Those who killed him thought they had ended his life, but God Almighty raised him up, and that is our joy," she said.
Kositi’s beatification serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. As the Catholic Church in Goma continues to celebrate his life and legacy, his story is sure to inspire many around the world to emulate his courage and conviction. With the possibility of becoming Congo’s first saint, Kositi’s journey is far from over, and his impact will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.
