Help build our chapel
Goal: $100,000
We need your support to help
build a modest chapel in
the Diocese of Tshumbe
The Project
The diocese of Tshumbe is remote. But, it is an exceedingly vibrant and authentic center of Catholic life and culture. Tshumbe has many vocations. The priests of the diocesan seminary attend to the pastoral needs of the neighboring areas, where there are no established parishes or facilities. So, Mass must be said outdoors with only makeshift shelter available.
Mass is said outdoors, in a makeshift shelter. The goal: $100,000 to build a modest chapel.
This project is to build a modest structure to ensure that the celebration of mass can occur without interruption from the rainstorms and cloudbursts that can arrive most unexpectedly. A chapel suitable and worthy for celebrating mass for this energetic community of Catholics.
Challenges and Circumstances
Among the challenges of constructing such a structure is that the local availability of building materials is non-existent. Labor is available, but the materials must be transported hundreds of miles over challenging roadways. Consequently, the costs of constructing a small chapel in this location are enormous.
The projected cost of building an appropriate chapel here in these circumstances is projected to be approximately $100,000.
More about the Project
Where is this located?
This project is located in the rural area of the central region of the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa.
Who is the bishop of this diocese?
On Saturday June 11, 2022, the Holy Father Francis appointed Bishop Vincent Tshomba as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Tshumbe. Before this appointment, Bishop Tshomba was an auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. His canonical installation is scheduled in the town of Tshumbe on August 14.
Is this project endorsed and authorized by the bishop?
Yes, the former Bishop of the Diocese of Tshumbe, Bishop Nicolas Djomo, endorsed and authorized this noble project. His successor will follow in his footsteps.
What are the challenges the Church is facing in this area?
The Catholic Church is facing the challenges of the invading waves of multiple awakening (evangelical and Pentecostal) sects, deep-rooted beliefs in local customs, illiteracy and economic poverty.
Is my donation tax deductible according to the IRS?
Yes. Please see the donation page.
Why is this a good use of my tithe?
Because you will be investing in a matter that has absolute and eternal value. It is a way to imitate Jesus who says, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2, 17).
Who is Fr. Raphael Okitofumba?
Fr. Raphael Okitafumba is a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Tshumbe, which is located in the central part of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. His diocese is a very poor rural diocese. Its annual budget remains in deficit. Still, it managed to find sponsors who helped him get higher education in the USA. Thus, in October 2018, he returned to his home diocese with a few masters of art and a Ph.D. degree. He is now a full-time professor at his local seminary called Saint John Paul II Seminary.
What is his role in the project?
Fr. Raphael Okitafumba is the initiator of this project. Here is the reason why he has passionately conceived this project. In addition his academic ministry, his diocese asked him, through the seminary’s authority, to take care of the spiritual needs of the people of the villages around the seminary. He is thus the chaplain of the faith community made up of a few villages. He celebrates the sacraments for this community. Most importantly, he celebrates the Eucharist in the open-air and he is always under the threat of torrential rains in the tropical area. He fell victim of such torrential rain after the Consecration last fifth Sunday of Easter (May 15, 2022).
How will I know if my contribution is doing any good?
Pictures will be posted on this website once construction commences.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”
— Matthew 6, 19-21
