Isidore bakanja biography of mahatma

Biography

Blessed Isidore Bakanja, also known as "the Martyr of Congo," was born around in northeast Republic of the Congo. At the age of 18, he was baptized on May 6, , after receiving instruction from Trappist missionaries. Isidore worked as an assistant stone mason for white colonists in what was then the Belgian Congo, later known as Zaire or simply the Congo.

Deeply committed to his faith, Isidore carried his rosary with him at all times and used any opportunity to share his faith with others.

Despite being untrained, many regarded him as a catechist due to his fervent devotion and knowledge of Catholic teachings.

Isidore made the difficult decision to leave his native village as there were no fellow Christians there.

Isidore bakanja biography of mahatma gandhi Rose of Lima Kuriakose Elias Chavara. Back to Today's Saints and Blesseds. He had his headman flog Bakanja again on the spot. Despite the immense suffering he had endured, the missionaries who spent time with him were amazed by his ability to forgive the agent who had caused his torment.

He found work as a domestic on a Belgian rubber plantation, where he encountered the hostility of Belgian agents who were atheists and harbored animosity towards missionaries advocating for native rights and justice. These agents derogatorily referred to anyone associated with religion as "mon pere" (my father).

When Isidore requested leave to return to his village, the agents denied his request and ordered him to stop teaching his fellow workers how to pray.

They feared that Isidore's influence would lead to a lack of productivity. When Isidore refused to discard his scapular, a symbol of his devotion, he was flogged twice. During the second flogging, the agent forcefully tore the scapular from Isidore's neck, pinned him to the ground, and inflicted over blows with a whip made of elephant hide, which had nails on the end.

As punishment, Isidore was then chained to a single spot 24 hours a day.

However, when an inspector visited the plantation, Isidore was sent to another village.

Biography of mahatma gandhi At the age of 18, he was baptized on May 6, , after receiving instruction from Trappist missionaries. Two missionaries who spent several days with him reported that he devoutly received the last sacraments. He took Isidore home to heal, but Isidore knew better. Despite being untrained, many regarded him as a catechist due to his fervent devotion and knowledge of Catholic teachings.

Determined to seek help, Isidore hid in the forest and eventually managed to drag himself to the inspector. The inspector, shocked by Isidore's condition, described him as a man with deep, festering wounds on his back, covered in filth and assaulted by flies. Isidore had to rely on two sticks to slowly approach the inspector, as he was unable to walk properly.

Seeking to further harm Isidore, the atheist agent who had beaten him attempted to kill him, but the inspector intervened and prevented the act.

Recognizing the severity of Isidore's condition, the inspector took him home in order to provide medical care.

Isidore bakanja biography of mahatma During his final days, Isidore devoutly received the last sacraments. Blessed Isidore Bakanja, also known as "the Martyr of Congo," was born around in northeast Republic of the Congo. When Isidore requested leave to return to his village, the agents denied his request and ordered him to stop teaching his fellow workers how to pray. The decision was made to install icons depicting saints inspired by the Rule of Saint Albert , and in commemoration of the 8th centenary of the Carmelite rule in

Isidore, however, sensed that his end was near and asked the inspector to pass on a message. He requested that if the inspector encountered his mother, the judge, or any priests, he inform them that Isidore was dying because of his Christian faith.

During his final days, Isidore devoutly received the last sacraments.

Despite the immense suffering he had endured, the missionaries who spent time with him were amazed by his ability to forgive the agent who had caused his torment. Isidore assured them that he had already forgiven the agent and that he would continue to pray for him even from heaven.

After six months of prayer and suffering, Blessed Isidore Bakanja passed away on August 15, , clutching his rosary with the scapular around his neck.

His courage and faith in the face of immense persecution earned him the title of martyr.

In recognition of his martyrdom, Pope John Paul II declared Isidore Bakanja venerable on April 2, , and beatified him on April 24, Blessed Isidore Bakanja's feast day is celebrated on August 15, the day of his death.

His story continues to inspire many as a testament to unwavering faith and forgiveness in the face of intense adversity.