A Thanksgiving Mass in Kinkala Commemorates the Memory of Kolelas
On Saturday, January 10th, a thanksgiving mass was celebrated at the Sainte-Monique Cathedral in Kinkala in memory of Bernard Bakana Kolelas, founder and president of the MCDDI, who died on November 12, 2009. The ceremony brought together supporters, public figures, and residents wishing to share a moment of reflection.
The initiative came from individuals identifying as “Kolelists,” presenting themselves as heirs to the values they associate with the former political leader. They gathered around Euloge Landry Kolelas, president of the MCDDI, in a setting the organizers intended to be open beyond partisan labels, mixing activists and anonymous faithful.
A Message of Values, Beyond Political Divides
Participants presented the mass as more than a simple memorial. For them, acknowledging the values attributed to Bernard Kolelas and making them a unifying force was the central symbol of the thanksgiving service celebrated by Father Joachin Loumouamou, parish priest of Sainte-Monique Cathedral.
The atmosphere in the cathedral reflected a blend of prayer and civic language. Speakers emphasized themes of humanism, fraternity, and national cohesion, portraying the MCDDI founder as a reference point for collective aspirations rather than a figure confined to partisan competition.
Bouesso Discusses the Legacy of the MCDDI Founder
An organizer, departmental councilor Bouesso, used his address to revisit the political legacy of Bernard Kolelas, recalling that he founded the MCDDI in 1989. Bouesso called on participants to unite around the ideals he associates with Kolelas, including humanism, courage, and determination.
Bouesso also described the former leader as a person guided by a sense of the common good and the future of the Republic of Congo. In his view, this mindset must remain relevant for citizens and activists who wish to contribute to stability and progress.
Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation at the Core
Addressing the assembly directly, Bouesso stated that this gathering was not merely a matter of courtesy but “a vibrant testimony” of attachment to the ideals of peace, justice, and fraternity that Bernard Kolelas upheld throughout his life. He highlighted what he described as an unwavering faith and a persistent pursuit of social harmony.
He emphasized Kolelas’s ability to promote forgiveness and reconciliation, presenting these traits as pillars for national life. The speaker then called for unity and solidarity, urging everyone to continue the work associated with Kolelas and to strive for peace and development across the country.
Gospel Reading and a Political Parallel
The day’s Gospel reading, taken from John 3:22–30, reports John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus. During the service, this passage was presented as a spiritual reference point, with a parallel drawn to what participants described as the humility and fidelity of Bernard Kolelas to his ideals.
For many participants, the link between Scripture and civic memory offered a way to speak about public life through the language of faith. It also allowed the ceremony to emphasize the continuity between personal conviction, service, and responsibility in the broader community.
Homily Highlights Democracy and National Unity
In his homily, Father Joachin Loumouamou described Bernard Kolelas as a multidimensional political figure, portraying him as an advocate for democracy, freedoms, peace, and national unity. The priest insisted that love and fraternity must remain at the center of social and political action.
The tone of the homily remained focused on moral principles rather than political controversy. By emphasizing unity and peace, the message aligned with the broader desire expressed by participants to anchor public debate in cohesion and encourage constructive engagement for the country.
A Living Legacy for Supporters and Citizens
At the end of the mass, the faithful and guests paid tribute to what they called an example of commitment, sharing, love of country, and generosity. The memory of the former leader was presented as a guide for conduct in public and private life, especially for those who claim his intellectual and moral heritage.
For the “Kolelists” present in Kinkala, the ceremony served as a moment to reaffirm their identity and purpose, while inviting broader participation. The gathering suggested that memory, framed by faith, can still function as a meeting point for unity and civic responsibility in Congo-Brazzaville.