Catholic Archdiocese of Bukavu in DR Congo Mourns 27 Children Killed in Fire Disaster

The Catholic Archdiocese of Bukavu is mourning 27 children who died in a fire on September 10 in the Cimpunda neighborhood of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. The fire destroyed two schools and hundreds of homes in the Kadutu municipality. Local reports indicate the children, consisting of 19 girls and eight boys, died while traveling to school.

Students from Catholic schools affiliated with Our Lady of Mercy Parish held a memorial Mass on September 17 to honor the victims. Father Patrice Mukata Bayongwa, the diocesan and provincial coordinator for the archdiocese's Catholic schools, presided over the service. During the Mass, Father Mukata Bayongwa encouraged the community to maintain faith and hope despite the loss.

The memorial included the lighting of candles before the altar in memory of the children. Father Mukata Bayongwa also asked the faithful to pray for protection for the residents of Bukavu, noting that the city has faced recurring fires. Students and teachers used the gathering to express solidarity with the families affected by the disaster.