Church massacre during Jubilee celebrations reported in Komanda, according to the vicar
In a tragic turn of events, members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist rebel group active in western Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), carried out a brutal massacre at a Catholic church in Komanda town, Ituri province, DRC.
The massacre took place during a midnight prayer vigil on Sunday night. At least 31 members of the Catholic Action - Eucharistic Crusade movement were killed, with others injured and some youth abducted. The military arrived the following day to count the bodies and investigate the scene.
The victims were part of the Bienheureuse Anuarite parish in Komanda. Among the deceased were fathers, mothers, and children. Some children are still missing. The parish counts 24 dead bodies that were buried on the parish grounds, in addition to the 8 bodies recovered by families.
The ADF's motives appear tied to its Islamist extremist agenda and territorial control ambitions. Since its radicalization and partial merger with ISIS Central Africa Province, the group has targeted civilians, including Christians, seeking to spread terror and assert dominance over contested territories.
The Jubilee Year, a time for returning to the Lord, was being celebrated by the young people of the Eucharistic Crusade movement when the massacre occurred. The parish hopes that it brings peace to the world, including to those in areas of conflict such as Gaza and Ukraine. They also hope that the young people participating in the Jubilee will intercede for them, so they may present themselves as true prophets who announce Christ and the truth without fear of martyrdom.
The Pope expressed his support for the parish in a telegram to the president of the Congolese bishops, stating that the tragedy pushes them to work for the integral human development of the martyred population of the region. He views the martyred youth as victims of their faith in Christ present in the Sacraments.
The Jubilee Year is a time for returning to the Lord, and the young people who celebrate the Jubilee are encouraged to continue praying for peace in the world. Some injured people were taken to the hospital after the massacre, and the bodies were buried the day after the massacre, after digging the graves and celebrating a mass to accompany them.
The Pope hopes that his words will continue supporting the parish in their pastoral work and group activities, and to push them towards finding peace and integral human development. It is a time for the world to stand together against such acts of violence and terror.
- The tragic events in Komanda town, involving war-and-conflicts, have led to widespread discussions in the realm of politics and general-news, as the Islamist rebel group ADF continues its brutal actions and territorial expansion.
- In the midst of tragic incidents like the Catholic church massacre in Komanda, it is crucial to highlight the prevalence of crime-and-justice issues, especially as the ADF's extremist agenda affects the protection and rights of civilians, including children.
