In his Jubilee catechesis entitled “To hope is to bear witness”, Pope Leo XIV invited the faithful to reflect on the life of Blessed Isidore Bakanja, a Congolese martyr recognised for living his faith with joy and authenticity, even in hostile circumstances.
The Pope recalled that Isidore worked on a European-owned plantation where the supervisor despised the Catholic missionaries who defended the rights of the indigenous people, and directed this hostility toward Isidore. Despite the danger, Isidore continued to manifest his faith openly, especially through his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, symbolised by wearing his brown scapular.
Pope Leo XIV noted that while close to death as a result of the abuse he suffered, Isidore declared that he would pray for his aggressors from heaven. The Holy Father said that Isidore’s testimony shows that the Church has much to learn from the perseverance of persecuted brothers and sisters in Africa.
He encouraged the faithful to follow Blessed Isidore’s example of steadfast faith, especially when facing persecution or rejection. The catechesis concluded with the Pope’s prayer:
“Blessed Isidore, pray for us, so that we too can give witness to our faith with courage and enthusiasm!”
Catechesis. 8. To hope is to bear witness. Isidore Bakanja
Dear Brothers and Sisters, as we continue our Jubilee catecheses, let us reflect today on the life of Blessed Isidore Bakanja, a Congolese martyr who lived out his faith with joy and authenticity, even in hostile environments such as his workplace. The supervisor of the European-owned plantation where Isidore worked despised the Catholic missionaries who defended the rights of the indigenous, and unleashed his anger upon Isidore. This courageous young man continued to manifest his faith, expressing his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary by wearing his brown scapular. While close to death due the abuse he suffered, Isidore declared that he would pray for his aggressors from heaven. His testimony reminds us that we have much to learn from our persecuted brothers and sisters in Africa. Let us strive to follow his example of perseverance in the faith despite any persecution or rejection we may face. Blessed Isidore, pray for us, so that we too can give witness to our faith with courage and enthusiasm!
