A Teacher of Hope

On Sunday, 15 June, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, presided over the Beatification of Floribert Bwana Chui at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls in Rome. The 26-year-old Congolese customs officer and member of the Sant’Egidio Community in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, was killed in 2007 for refusing to allow spoiled food to cross the border, a decision made to protect the lives of the poor. “Floribert is a teacher of hope,” Cardinal Semeraro said during the homily. “He teaches us to overcome evil with good.” The liturgy was animated by the Congolese community in Rome and Sant’Egidio members from across Africa. Concelebrants included Bishop Willy Ngumbi of Goma and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa. During the rite, Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Letter in which he recognises the young Congolese as a lay martyr “who preferred love for others over his own life,” was read, thus officially declaring Floribert Blessed. His feast will be celebrated every 8 July, the date of his martyrdom. Floribert’s brother’s presented his relic, the jacket he wore during his abduction and martyrdom. His mother, Gertrude, was also present at the celebration.