Paul Mbuyi Kasonga (1956-2022)
Paul was the oldest of six children in his family. He was ordained as a diocesan priest of the Mbuji-Mayi diocese. After almost seven years as a diocesan priest, he decided to become a CICM religious missionary and was sent to the Dominican Republic in 1992.
Paul spent most of his missionary life serving in various parishes in the Diocese of Barahona, particularly in Tamayo, Batey 5, and Oviedo. He had a heart for the poor and the oppressed. He had a prophetic voice in the places he worked. He was not afraid to speak out of the truth of the Gospel. He did not hesitate to express his anger while facing the injustices suffered by the Haitian migrants and by the poor farmers. He treasured spirituality passionately and the theology of liberation. He was a firm advocate of the Basic Ecclesial Community and laity formation.
Paul was a vocal member of the confreres in the Dominican Republic. His strong personality, combined with kindness and warmth, earned him the respect of his confreres. He was someone who could stand firm in his convictions and values. Although he lived far from the Central House in Santo Domingo, he would make every effort to attend retreats and other gatherings with the confreres. Paul served in the CICM Province of the Dominican Republic’s Provincial Government.
Paul served as a parish priest in the Dominican Republic at Inmaculada Concepción de Mara Parish, Municipality of Oviedo, Barahona, for nearly five years. Paul, a zealous pastor, was very concerned with his parishioners and enjoyed visiting families and friends. It is worth noting that he was well integrated with the local clergy and the Barahona’s local ordinary.
Paul returned to his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in June 2021. He had just begun his new assignment as rector of the Provincial House of the Province of Afrique Australe (AFA).
Paul’s health was not as excellent as in previous years. Despite his flaws, he was someone who savored life and lived it to the fullest. Paul will be missed by the people and confreres who met him wherever he stayed and worked. May his soul rest in peace.
The Dominican Republic CICM Community
