Mill Hill Missionaries in DR Congo - A Story of Faith, Gratitude and New Life

Fr Patrick Lonkoy Bolengu, MHM, from Mill Hill Mission, Democratic Republic of Congo Mission Area writes:

"Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15)

In 1905, the first Mill Hill Missionaries arrived on Congolese soil, in the heart of the Diocese of Basankusu. They came not with wealth or status, but with the Gospel in their hearts and the humility of servants in their steps. What they brought was not domination, but communion, a desire to walk with, serve, and love the people they met.

These pioneers endured hardship, illness, isolation and yet, they remained. They planted seeds not only in the soil, but in the hearts of generations. They baptized, taught, healed, listened, and believed in the future of a Church rooted in Africa.

Thanks to their faithful witness, 13 sons of the Congo have heard the missionary call and responded by joining the Society of St. Joseph (Mill Hill). Among them, the late Rev Fr Otto Bambokela, MHM, has now gone to the Father. His life was a testimony of joy, simplicity, and total dedication. May his soul rest in God's eternal peace. Today, 12 Congolese Mill Hill missionaries continue that legacy, bringing the light of Christ to communities across the world.

As a missionary servant of the Mill Hill Mission in the DRC, I stand not in the place of authority, but in the place of gratitude. I have seen miracles born from suffering, unity rising from division, and new vocations emerging like green shoots after rain.

We are living a new chapter. With deep appreciation, we thank our General Council for its pastoral vision and support, for sending new members, opening new missions in the dioceses of Kinshasa and Basankusu, and most recently, for reopening our formation house in Basankusu and restarting the recruitment of vocations in Congo. These gestures are not administrative, they are spiritual acts of faith in what God is doing through our people.

But this mission is not ours alone. We are deeply aware that none of this would be possible without the loving generosity of our benefactors in Europe and around the world. You are not distant supporters, you are co-missionaries, walking with us every step of the way. Every coin shared, every prayer whispered, every message of encouragement are part of the mission. They help educate a young missionary, build a chapel, reopen a formation house, or bring water to a village. Your hands reach far beyond borders, and your hearts beat with ours.

To our families in Congo, to the parishes who pray, to the religious communities who accompany, and to our friends and benefactors across continents: we thank you. You remind us that the Body of Christ is one, and mission is always a work of communion.

Let us keep praying that many more young people from our land may have the courage to say with Mary: "Be it done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), and with Isaiah: "Here I am, Lord. Send me" (Isaiah 6:8).

May St. Joseph, protector of the universal Church and patron of our missionary Society, continue to guide us all, wherever we are sent.

LINK

Mill Hill Missionaries: https://millhillmissionaries.com/