Paul Jacquemart
(1931-2024)
- Born in Grand-Halleux, Belgium on October 7, 1931.
- Religious vows on September 8, 1953.
- Ordination to the priesthood on August 3, 1958.
- Missionary in Congo - Boma, Kimpangu (Matadi) and in Belgium.
- Died in Embourg, Belgium on March 13, 2024 at the age of 92.
After an initial missionary term in Muanda by the sea, Paul was appointed to Boma-Kalamu, a city of 35,000 inhabitants.
He lived and worked there with Father Jean Fabry, a young pastor of age 35, with Father Louis Vancoppernolle, an experienced missionary at age 52, with a very young confrère, and with Abbé Ferdinand Tsumbu. They formed a solid and happy team.
In addition to his pastoral activities, Paul was a man dedicated to gardening. The people of the city admired his dedication to work, his well-kept garden, and his perseverance.
In 1965, there were still 100 CICM missionaries and about 20 native priests active in Boma. Twenty-five years later, there were 200 native priests and a few more Scheut Fathers in the diocese of Boma. There were also 30 well-organized parishes with numerous lay associates. Hospitals and schools were managed by the Congolese.
A new challenge arose when Bishop Gabriel Kembo of Matadi asked the CICM to take over two remote mission posts in his diocese, Luvaka and Kimpangu. Paul Jacquemart, Gustave Penninckx, and Jean Messe volunteered. Jean Beckers and Brother Jan van den Heuvel joined the trio later.
This group of CICM missionaries had a clear plan: to revitalize a marginalized region. They installed water pumps in the hospital and surrounding area. Hospital engines and several vehicles were repaired to restart.
Being a missionary means living with God, seeking spiritual nourishment in the Word of God, and at the same time, being close to the people, owning their dreams, and helping them quest their destiny.
After 40 years of service to the Churches of Boma and Matadi, Paul returned permanently to Belgium. He spent his last years at our home in Embourg and finally at the Rest and Care Home in Mehagne.
Mission accomplished. May he rest in peace!
~ Léonard Heyse §
