Léon Mfundu Nkambu (1960-2024)
Born in Khata Kasamvu, D.R. Congol
on September 30, 1960,
First vows on October 7, 1984.
Ordained priest on May 22, 1993
Missionary in France and D.R. Congo
Died in Kinshasa on September 9, 2024, at the age of 59
"Behold, I tell you a mystery: we shall not all fall asleep, but we shall all be changed." (1 Corinthians 15, 51).
In His goodness, God has called to Himself Father Léon Mfundu Nkambu, CICM.
Father Léon was born on September 30, 1960, in Khata Kasamvu in the Province of Kongo Central, in DR Congo. He was the youngest of seven children, the son of Mr Nkambu Phuati Aloïs and Mrs Ngombe Mvudu Julienne, both deceased.
Father Léon completed his primary education at Konde di Kasamvu from 1966 to 1974. He then attended secondary school at Mbata Siala/Kangu from 1974 to 1981. In 1982, he became a teacher in Kangu. The following year, in 1983, he joined the Congregation of the Missionaries of Scheut (CICM) and took his first vows on October 7, 1984. He was subsequently sent to the Père Nkongolo Scholasticate, where he studied philosophy at the Université Saint Augustin de Kinshasa from 1984 to 1987. From 1987 to 1990, he pursued his studies in theology at the Saint Cyprien Theological School in Ngoya, Cameroon, where he made his perpetual profession on September 16, 1989.
In 1990, he was sent on a mission to the CICM BM Province. On March 5, 1992, Msgr. Musty ordained him as a deacon in the Church of Saint Nicolas. Then, on May 22, 1993, Mgr. Thierry Jordan ordained him as a priest in the Church of Saint Michel in Goussainville, France.
After his ordination to the priesthood, Father Léon undertook several roles:
- 1993 to 1996: Vicar of Saint Michel Parish, serving simultaneously as Youth Chaplain and teacher.
- 1996 to 1999: Vicar and teacher, responsible for migrants and the sick, supervised CICM trainees, and served as a town councilor.
- 2000 to 2001: Member of the Provincial Council of Belgium (CICM), responsible for the mission in France and continued as Youth Chaplain.
- 2001 to 2002: Studied Management Accounting at the University of Metz in France.
After completing his studies, he returned to his home province of Kinshasa, where he held several positions:
- 2003 to 2004: Acting Director of the Centre de Recherche Pédagogique (CRP).
- 2004 to 2007: Deputy Public Prosecutor, Chairman of the Garage de la Mission Board of Directors, and a member of the Provincial Finance Commission.
In 2008, he traveled to Hesburgh in the U.S. for further training in Ethical Theology, Social Justice, Sacred Scripture, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Communication, and Spirituality. Upon his return, he was appointed Rector of the CICM House in Kangu, serving from 2008 to 2016.
From 2017 to 2020, he was the vicar at Saint Eugène Parish in Menkao Center and managed the CICM farm in Mutiene. Most recently, from 2021 to 2024, he served as vicar of the Parish of Sainte Louise Marillac in Lutendele/Kinshasa.
Since February 2024, Father Léon has served as the vicar of Sainte Honorine Parish in Mandela Plateau 1, Kinshasa. In August 2024, he traveled to Kisantu to visit his family during his annual leave. Tragically, he passed away from a heart attack in the early hours of Monday, September 9, 2024.
Father Léon will be remembered as a devoted religious leader who skillfully combined prayer with practical service. He was friendly, approachable, and always willing to lend a helping hand for the good of the community. His priestly motto was: "Happy are those whom God has chosen to be witnesses of the Risen Christ" (Acts 1:22).
- Secretariat CICM-KIN §
