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.
Chapel of St. John Paul the Great – Congo
Click here to Donate Online
Brother Knights of the 700 California KofC State Councils
Several years ago, a small group of Brother Knights and parishioners attended Sunday mass at St. Joseph the Worker parish in Berkley, California. A wonderful Catholic priest from the Democratic Republic of Congo, with prayerful hands in a profound display of reverence, approached the altar and celebrated the Holy Mass. As Father Raphael, with outstretched arms, welcomed everyone, all were captured by his ministry and sincere humility.
Highly selected from his diocese to study in the United States, Fr. Raphael is a graduate of Berkley with a few Master of Art degrees and a PhD. He oversees the Saint John Paul the Second Seminary within his diocese and is also a professor. He has since been selected as the Vicar General of his diocese.
Thus, you can see how our Brother Knights’ journey of friendship and discipleship began. Since our first mass celebration, local contributions and support from our brothers have enabled Fr. Raphael to leverage funds for the construction of a medical clinic, the drilling of a freshwater well, the design of a chapel, and the completion of the foundation upon which to build.
This appeal is for our KofC California State Councils to donate $100 to $200 each. These amounts from each of our 700 state councils can raise more than $70,000, enabling the construction and completion of the chapel walls, the roof, and the interior, with needed pews and an altar. There will also be a small, connected rectory. The remaining funds from the appeal will be allocated to constructing a Catholic school and two needed water wells.
We believe St. Joseph has been at work since that first Sunday mass, beginning with our small group of brother knights and parishioners seeking to venture into the deep! Please donate this small amount! Infact….
“Let your heart be consumed for our father’s house”
The link below takes you to a 5-minute video about the appeal.
5-minute video about the appeal
“The Knights of Columbus Donation Fund Agreement” at the QR Code below is for your donation.